Before 5 on Friday
Does pressure feel like a privilege?
American tennis champion, Billie Jean King, once said it was.?
To me, pressure often means that you’re doing something important. It’s a sign of responsibility, a mark of trust.
So what happens when those responsibilities, those “privileges” feel too much?
Right now, we’re all feeling the pressure of life - building a business, managing a team, raising children, caring for our parents. Just being alive comes with a certain level of pressure. And with Christmas just two months away, people are struggling.
Nine in ten adults within the UK have reported experiencing high or extreme stress in the past year (Mental Health UK).
Nine in ten. That’s phenomenal.
Let’s be honest. Despite what some might say on social media, there’s a point where stress stops being a motivator, and starts to feel more like a crushing weight.
Any one thing can cause you to feel as if you’re drowning. It’s even harder to cope when more than one of them becomes overwhelming.
Where does that pressure come from?
Is it internal - a personal expectation or quest to meet a perfect standard? Or is it external - coming from those around us who constantly expect or demand our best?
Where is your pressure coming from?
Too much is simply, too much. No one is able to thrive while they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Last week, we talked about the pressure on parents when it comes to childcare. This week, it’s everyone who’s feeling it.
How can it be a privilege?
I know we want to be realistic and avoid dwelling in the overly optimistic, but I do believe it can be a great motivator for us. Pressure often means growth. It indicates that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, doing something that really challenges you, and making steps towards achieving your goals.?
In both business and in your personal life, pressure can sharpen your focus, force you to stop procrastinating and take action, deliver some of your best work and make real, personal growth. Without pressure, we might never really discover what we’re truly capable of.
But (and there is always a but)
If you leave this kind of pressure unchecked, it can change from driving you forward, to pulling you under. It leads to burnout, breakdowns, poor mental health, damaged relationships and ultimately, the feeling that nothing you do is ever enough.
Here’s a glimpse into our world right now (so you never truly feel alone in your own struggles)
We’re juggling the realities of Sophie’s long working days as a doctor. I’m managing multiple podcasts. I’ve been onboarding new clients, while still delivering via my agency. We’re juggling childcare for the twins and making sure that someone is around for Albie. On top of all this, we’re poised to set up a new venture too.?
We’ve both had moments when it feels as if there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Oh - and as if that wasn’t enough for our family, Sophie’s 94-year-old granny has just moved into a nearby care home. While she’s adjusting, she’s heavily reliant on us for emotional and physical support.
It’s a lot.
So here’s something really positive that I’ve embraced recently. At this point, you could really use it!
It’s not about keeping up with the pace. It’s about accepting that not everything needs to be done right now.
That’s it. Releasing yourself from the expectation of immediate action.
Ray Dalio said it best: Pain + Reflection = Progress.
So, How Do We Balance It?
The key is finding balance. That looks different for everyone. Here’s a simple framework I use to keep things in check:
1) Recognise Your Limits
There’s a fine line between productive pressure and burnout. Be honest with yourself.
If you’re constantly feeling drained, it might be time to pause, reassess, and re-evaluate.
Pressure should always drive you forward, not wear you down.
2) Delegate and Simplify
You don’t have to do it all. Sometimes the best thing you can do under pressure is to delegate,
or cut unnecessary tasks. Simplify your to-do list. Focus on what really matters.
3) Say No
Saying “no” is a powerful tool. Don’t take on more than you can handle.
Prioritise what matters most. Don’t be afraid to push back on things that aren’t critical.
4) Pause and Recover
High performers know the importance of recovery. Just like athletes take rest days, we all need time to recharge. This is, in part, why I run. Don’t confuse slowing down with falling behind.
5) Redefine Success
Pressure often comes from trying to meet unrealistic expectations, or the false realities our minds perceive.
It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. It’s okay to talk to people when you feel overwhelmed.
Sometimes - success is just making it through the day.?
And that’s enough.
The key isn’t to avoid pressure, but to learn when to lean in, and when to let go. Progress over perfection. Balance over burnout. Recognise that while pressure may be a privilege, it doesn’t mean you need to carry it all at once.
This was brilliantly demonstrated by one of our recent Purpose Made Podcast guests, Sean Conway. He couldn’t just dive into completing 105 Ironman challenges without creating a plan, and pacing himself day by day. So how did he do it?
It was all down to his embracing the process. Knowing when to push harder, and when to ease off.
The same applies to us. Whether it’s building a business, raising kids, or just getting through the week, we all have our own challenges.
Here’s a question for you:
Please have a think about it.?
This weekend, give yourself permission to release some of that pressure.
Go on that run you’ve been putting off for months. Reconnect with friends you’ve lost touch with. Whatever it is, do something that makes you happy. You’ve earned it.
Until then, Stay present. Stay focused. And be kind to yourself—You’re doing your best, and your best is yet to come.
Pete
P.S. Share this with someone who might need the reminder that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and not have everything figured out—progress is made in small steps, not leaps.