Do song lyrics ever pop into your head? The words of the Queen and David Bowie 1981 song “Under Pressure” kept replaying in my mind this weekend. With the lyrics came the feeling of attempting to race faster and faster to each commitment while running out of fuel. By Sunday night, I was running on fumes.
The weekend was not the worst I’ve faced. However, it was a tougher to negotiate than many. When I get busy at work, my personal life also seems to require more of my time and vice versa. The past few days, we had an unexpected family health challenge that required some postponing, refiguring, and cancelling of plans. (If you are waiting on an email response from me about something not urgent, it’s coming. Promise.)
❓ When have you recently felt like you were negotiating with everyone and everything around you to keep your head above water?
❓ When you’ve been stretched, were you dealing with matters that were personal, professional, or a mix of both, like mine?
❓ What song do you sing, if any, or advise do you give yourself when you’re under pressure?
Here are some tips that might help you deal when you are under pressure:
1. ⏲️ Breathe. Stop and take a few minutes to take deep breaths. Slow down that heart and get precious oxygen to your brain.
2. 📞 Phone a friend. Whether you are stressed about a business deal or dealing with something at home, pick up the phone and talk to someone who wants you to succeed and/or can talk you off the ledge. Avoid the friend or family member who will add to your stress. You can talk to them later.
3. ✍ Pick your priorities. Create a mental or physical list of what must be done or handled. This is not the time to be perfect. Do the best you can under the circumstances, and move on.
4. 👉 Delegate, if you can. If this is THE project or negotiation with little room for error, ask for help in reviewing and double checking. When you have more time, you will return the favor for those who need help in the future.
5. ⏱️ Delay, if needed. Ask yourself, “What would happen if I pushed this deadline?” Some will thank you because they are squeezed for time. Today, I was thrilled that a person needed an extension to complete a project.
6. 🚮 Dump the unimportant. Ask, “What doesn’t matter or has very little return on investment?” Be bold. Stop performing activities that offer little value.
🎉 There is great news to report. Luckily, my family support team is in town. Most of the happenings occurred on the weekend. The patient’s recovery was good. AND, sleep can be made up in naps. 💤
🎶 Here’s your permission to sing your song, whatever it is, that keeps you calm under pressure.
Under Pressure: Negotiation Skills Work When You Are Dealing with Too Much and Getting Too Little Done
