Watching Netflix and eating potato chips
I was talking to a friend recently and the topic of pressure came up.
We were sharing that, at some level, there’s an underlying belief amongst many of the leaders we work with, that if the pressure of achieving a goal or avoiding failure didn’t exist, they would simply lie on their couch eating chips and watching Netflix.
The pressure is what lights a fire in them for action, so while at some level they want less pressure, at another level they want pressure because they fear that without it, they would accomplish nothing.
I think this reasoning is inherently flawed in a few ways.
The belief that if we didn’t have pressure we would do nothing, is the same as saying we need to be controlled, monitored and manipulated in order to contribute anything of value. I don’t buy it. I believe we’re creative beings by nature. We are designed to create. The reality is that while you might watch Netflix for awhile, eventually you would get up and go do something. Why? Because you are meant for creation. You couldn't stop yourself if you tried. Simply watch a toddler for proof.
Pressure isn’t a good strategy for creation. Whether we look at Csikszentmihalyi work on flow or neuroscience research on peak performance, or simply notice your own experience, undue pressure mostly uses up headspace, focuses our attention on ourselves rather than the task at hand, and drains us of precious energy. This does not sound like a winning strategy for creating anything other than a lot of noise in head.
Pressure is made up, it doesn’t exist, though it feels like it does and I’ve felt it too. What do I mean? You know the quote from David Bohm “thought creates our world and then says ‘ I didn't do it’”. Well that is what’s happening when we say we feel pressure. Pressure is a felt sense that comes up when we tell ourselves a story about how much we have to get done, what it means about us if we don’t do it or don’t do it well or how we don’t like doing what we need to do. It’s rooted in an interpretation. Drop the story, drop the pressure. Forget the story, forget the pressure. I’m not suggesting you drop it or forget it, I’m simply pointing to the fact that when you do, the pressure disappears too. And it’s helpful to see this.
Main takeaways -
You are made for creation. You don’t need to be controlled to contribute.
Pressure isn’t helping, its hindering, so get present instead. Presence will guide you to what wants to get done with ease.
Don’t believe your thoughts, or simply just see them for what they are, mostly random patterned creations of your mind. If you want a story to light a fire in you for action (though honestly I don’t think you need one!), why not make one up that frees up headspace, focuses your attention on the task at hand and energizes you. If it’s all made up anyway, make one up that has a fighting chance at helping.