Stress management in decision making

Have you ever been put in the difficult position of making a choice that could tremendously impact lives?  Making decisions is tough enough as it is.  It doesn’t help things either when we have to make consequential choices in high-pressure situations.  This is because stress can be overwhelming. Author/Professor Preston Ni suggests that “most of us experience some level of stress in life. How we handle stressful situations can make the difference between being assertive versus reactive, and poised versus frazzled. When under pressure, the most important thing to keep in mind is to keep your cool.”

Time Management - Get Rid of Procrastination

Here are a few tips on how to be an effective decision-maker in high-pressure situations:

1) Look Before You Leap

Urgency has a harmful effect on people’s overall thought processes.  It triggers panic, and intimidates us into making rash choices.  If the pressure of your circumstances makes you feel tense, pause to think things through before making any final decisions.

2) Choose the Lesser of Two Evils

High pressure situations are usually difficult to deal with because they plunge people into gray areas.  Instead of choosing between right and wrong, you might find yourself having to choose between two wrongs.  Don’t get paralyzed by outrage however.  Patiently weigh the pros and cons, then choose the options which achieve the greatest possible good.

3) Look Out for Your Team

There’s an ancient proverb which says, “If you want to go fast, then go alone.  But if you want to go far, then go together.” If you aren’t sure what the ideal course of action is during a high-pressure situation, default to being utilitarian.  Make choices for the sake of the ultimate public good.

4) Understand Your Mission

Losing sight of your purpose is like throwing an anchor overboard at sea.  It leaves you vulnerable to the twists and turns of cruel fate.  Whether personal, or professional, always use mission statements as a compass to guide your deliberations.  Understand your objectives, and focus on them so that you can be consistent with your values in times of turbulence.

Conclusion

Martin Luther King Jr. once said that “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” The difference between success and failure all boils down to how well you can make decisions in adversity.  The type of person who panics under pressure is bound to fall victim to impulse.  However, the type of person who strives to do what is right even in discomfort, is bound to survive and thrive. If you like what you just read from our blog, you’ll love the various informative courses, workshops and events listed on our websites and social media. Whether you’re interested in personal development, or overall improvement of your business, give us a call at 1 (888) 823-7757 to find out how The RISE Academy can help you break past your daily struggles and start soaring in success. For business development coaching by Richard Martinez, call at 626-202-2291 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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