No pressure, no diamond.
The process it takes to create a diamond is well known and talked about in leadership analogies. Diamonds are formed naturally in the earth’s mantle under conditions of extreme temperature and pressure. These conditions occur where temperatures are at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and pressure is, or exceeds, 725,000 pounds per square inch. The carbon atoms then bond together under this extreme environment. The entire process takes between 1 billion and 3.3 billion years.
The analogy that we all hear is that being under pressure, like a diamond, is one of the best ways to mold and create better versions of ourselves. It is also said only a select few have the innate ability to remain calm and controlled in a situation in where most people would be upset or afraid. You hear that people who do well under pressure are born, not made.
They are unflappable.
They are cool-headed.
They are composed.
They are imperturbable.
They have ice in their veins.
I believe that yes, some people are naturally better in dealing with pressure than others, but I do not think there has been or ever will be anyone that was born with ice in their veins. I do know from personal experience that with practice and intentionality, anyone can be unflappable and cool headed. This requires something that most are unwilling to do, and that is the willingness to invite pressure into your life consistently (in a good way). It is only natural to shy away from pressure situations, it is uncomfortable. The process it takes to create a diamond takes between 1-3.3 billion years. This is no different in creating lasting change. You have to be willing to invite pressure consistently and you have to be okay with that being a welcome part of your life for an extended period of time.
We are wonderfully made by God and as an awesome part of his creation we as human beings are unbelievably resilient. Many of us are unwilling to test that resiliency. The longer you invite pressure into your life, the more adept you will be to not only dealing with it, but thriving because of it.
So how do you invite pressure into your life to create positive change? Practicing pressure can and should be done in small incremental steps. Wake up early, take a cold shower, do something that stretches your limits physically and mentally. Force yourself to do these little things that make you uncomfortable. These small steps are a part of a blueprint for leveraging the power of discomfort create a better version of ourselves.
What can you do practice pressure? It’s pretty simple actually. You know what makes you uncomfortable. We all know ourselves better than anyone else. I guarantee you have a short list of things that you shy away from for one reason or another. Start small then build on it. The thing about comfort zones is if you live in them too long, that becomes your norm. The end goal with practicing pressure is getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
How can you deal with pressure once you have invited it into your daily routine?
Take control. When inviting pressure into your life, there are factors you have control over and factors you don't. But when you focus on the uncontrollables, you end up intensifying the pressure, increasing your anxiety, and ultimately undermining your confidence.
Focus on the task, not the outcome. Instead of worrying about the outcome, worry about the task at hand. You have voluntarily brought this pressure on yourself, why worry about the outcome? What is the worst that can happen? I can guarantee the result from stretching your limits is always going to be better than the results of sitting idly by. When you keep your eye on the task at hand (and only the task at hand), all you can see is the concrete steps necessary to excel.
Slow down. When you're in a stressful situation, it's natural to speed up your thinking. You don't think as clearly as you normally would, you jump to conclusions. Give yourself a second to breathe and formulate a plan. You'll think more flexibly, creatively, and attentively.
