Are you under Pressure? If so, from who and for what? You may not know. Or you may think there is one cause while the real reason may be quite different. Before you do anything else, remind yourself that everyone is under pressure today. The world is now a harsh place. Your pressures and mine are probably a lot less than many people have to put up with. That doesn’t make them acceptable. We’re all somewhat in the same boat. It’s not the Titanic.
I’m not going to list all the causes of stress because we’ll be here forever if I do. Nor am I going to give all the symptoms. You know them already. So we’ll go straight to what to do about it. Vital first step is to get clear what the pressure is. We all face demons. Don’t only think about your demon, write it down. Demons on paper or a screen are less scary than demons in the mind. Make your description clear. You can’t deal with a Fuzzy Demon.
Second, ask yourself “what will make this demon disappear?” If the answer is money, think again. It may be, but money is not always easy to come by. Are there other ways you can lay your demon to rest? If not, what can you do to earn some money, however little, right now? In the end someone may help you but they will do so sooner and more generously if they see you trying to rescue yourself. Givers like Tryers.
You may have to borrow money. If you do, make sure it is from a respectable and legitimate source. Family may lend you money but be aware that if you borrow from a family member your relationship with them will change. Don’t go to a loan shark. They are dangerous and illegal. If you are already in the hands of a loan shark go to the police and tell them the truth. It may be painful but they will help you or refer you to someone who can.
If the answer is love, try loving the person who loves you most at present. If there isn’t one, try loving the person you think hates you most. I’ve helped many people succeed by doing this. Love is Affection, Attention, Assistance – the three A’s of life. You need some of each – which is something to remember when you are choosing a life partner.
Now check if you are being reasonable with yourself. We learn about the management of other people and often forget to manage ourselves well. By all means be critical of yourself. It is right that we see both the good and the bad in our performance. But recognise both rationally. Avoid being over-critical. Think first and most about the other person. Doing so helps everyone to see themself in perspective.
When you are pressured to perform better, ask what ‘better’ means. Get a very specific definition of it. I have had good and bad mentors. Some of the better ones still failed to help me find my strategy, which is what most people need, and concentrated on the tactics. The appeal of a tactical solution was so great that the strategy often got left behind. That can be fatal when you are under pressure.
Finally, never stray into the area of despair. It’s too easy to do. But the warming sun will rise and the nourishing rain will fall the next day. You should be there to give thanks for them.
You are as strong as they are.
Stay strong.
Good morning
John Bittleston
Life is mostly froth and bubble,
two things stand alone.
Kindness in another’s trouble,
courage in your own.
Do you agree? [email protected] would dearly like to know.
18 November 2025
