In the world we live in today, there can be no doubt: sometimes life is hard! The trials and tribulations of this world may cause a person to feel the sensation commonly known as pressure.
Pressure is defined as “powerful and stressful demands on somebody’s time, attention, and energy, the application of a firm, regular weight or force against something or somebody.” It is these “stressful demands” from your kids, from your unreasonable boss, from your relentless bill collectors, and any other issues that cause us anxiety, that cause us to feel pressured and stressed.
Pressure is a Catalyst for Transformation
Believe it or not, you do have a choice in how you handle pressure. You can allow pressure to make you crumble and shrink away, or you can use it as the powerful catalyst that it is to make a positive change – a transformation that will give you the power to alleviate the negative effects of the pressure you feel.
Pressure is responsible for transforming coal into diamonds, which are regarded as highly valuable gemstones. Africa leads the world in diamond production. This phenomenon offers significant insight for individuals of African descent globally.
There is no doubt that people with high melanin have experienced immense pressure over a long period. This prolonged challenge can be likened to an alchemical process, where being highly carbonated and under pressure helps bring about positive transformation. Now is the time for change. Each person has the power to choose their path—whether to be a victim or a champion, a loser or a winner, a failure or a success—the decision ultimately belongs to you.
The Choice is Yours
Personally… I do my best work under pressure. I get innovations and inspirations that I never would have if left in a comfortable state. I find that sometimes I need the pressure to help me reach the next level. It is my choice to see pressure as an opportunity for growth, not an excuse for a pity party. It is my choice to rise to the challenges of life and overcome them. It is my choice, just as it is yours. What will you decide?
In my experience, high-pressure situations often foster optimal performance and drive innovation. Challenges presented by pressure can be instrumental for professional development, offering opportunities to advance beyond one’s current capabilities. Approaching pressure as a catalyst for growth, rather than as a hindrance, is a deliberate choice. Each individual is responsible for determining how to respond to such circumstances and whether to leverage them for advancement.
Peace
