There are moments in life that can change the course of your career forever. In these crucial moments, all eyes are on you, and time is running out. The decision you make could be a turning point in your professional life. So, will you rush and take a risk, or will you resist the urge to make a snap decision and choose the more thoughtful path? Crucial moments don’t give you a chance to reverse your decision, and the decision you make under pressure might determine your future. So how do you avoid falling into the trap of rashness? Dr. Ather Osman, an expert in self-development and psychology at the University of Vienna, offers 6 strategic steps that can help you unravel the puzzle of a critical moment and ensure that you make well-thought-out career decisions, avoiding rashness and impulsivity.
1. Deep Breathing
When you find yourself in a pressured situation, the first step should be to take a moment to breathe deeply and calm yourself. Many people think that making a decision quickly is the best solution, but in reality, rushing to make decisions often leads to mistakes. Take a step back and, if possible, physically move away from the situation, or simply stop thinking about the decision for a brief period. These moments allow you to organize your thoughts and evaluate the situation in a more rational way. Deep breathing increases the oxygen flow to your brain, improving your ability to think and calming emotional reactions. This helps you maintain control over your emotions and make a more deliberate decision.
2. Trust Your Intuition
In times of pressure, there is often an internal voice urging you to make the "right" decision. This voice may be a mix of your intuition and past experiences. However, this should not be the only factor influencing your decision. Before you follow this internal feeling, ensure that it is backed by rationality and logical thinking. Consider all the options available and ask yourself: "Is this decision aligned with my professional values, and does it serve my long-term goals?"
3. Gather Information
In moments of pressure, you may feel the urge to make a decision based on the minimal information available. However, this often leads to hasty decisions that you might regret later. Therefore, before rushing, try to gather as much information as possible. Explore the available options, speak with your colleagues, and consider alternatives. The more knowledge you have, the stronger and more confident your decision will be.
4. Consider Future Consequences
Before making a decision, imagine how the outcome will affect your career and personal life in the future. Will it bring you closer to your goals? Will you be satisfied with this decision in the future? Considering the long-term consequences of your decision helps you avoid impulsive choices that might feel right in the moment but could be harmful later. This exercise provides a broader perspective and encourages you to make a more thoughtful and calculated decision.
5. Seek Advice
When feeling pressured, it can be helpful to share your thoughts with a trusted person. Whether this person is a colleague or a professional advisor, their perspective may help you see things from a different angle. Sometimes, the situation becomes clearer when someone else discusses it, especially if they have experience in a similar field or are distant from the pressures you're facing. Don’t hesitate to seek advice or guidance from others.
6. Personal Standards
Remember, your decision should align with your values and principles. Even under pressure, do not compromise on what is important to you. Before making a decision, review your professional goals and the principles you stand by. When you make decisions that are consistent with your identity and values, you will be more confident in accepting the consequences, regardless of the outcome. You will feel more at ease and content with your choice, no matter how things turn out.
How to Control Your Thoughts in Moments of Pressure?
In the workplace, you are often under continuous pressure, whether it’s from deadlines, high expectations, or difficult situations. To maintain calm and make reasoned decisions, follow these steps:
1. Focus on the Present Moment
In moments of pressure, thoughts race and negative emotions can pile up. One of the best ways to calm your mind is to breathe slowly and focus on the present moment. This helps center your mind and body, giving you a chance to regain mental balance before making any decisions. By focusing on the present and taking deep breaths, you allow yourself the space to think more clearly.
2. Reassess the Situation Rationally
When an employee is under intense pressure or feels angry, it’s easy to make rash decisions. To avoid this, reassess the situation rationally. This requires stopping for a moment to identify the root cause of the problem and considering all aspects of the situation, rather than reacting impulsively. Trying to view the situation from different angles helps you put things into perspective and determine the best course of action.
3. Communicate Calmly with Others
It’s important for employees to learn how to express their emotions calmly and constructively during moments of pressure and anger. Instead of exploding or reacting emotionally, try to speak calmly with colleagues or supervisors. Use thoughtful language and avoid harsh criticism or accusations. Effective communication in these situations demonstrates professional maturity and can improve the outcomes of the conversation.
4. Self-Reflection After Difficult Situations
After going through a stressful or angry moment, it is crucial for the employee to reflect on themselves. This reflection helps you understand how to handle similar situations better in the future. You can ask yourself questions like: "Was I able to control my emotions?" or "Could I have taken a different approach?" This reflection increases self-awareness and helps improve stress management skills in the future.
In moments of pressure, making decisions calmly and thoughtfully can lead to better outcomes and prevent costly mistakes. By using these strategies, you will be more prepared to navigate challenging moments with confidence and clarity.
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