Use "Distancing" to Think Calmly Under Pressure

There is another kind of distancing worth knowing about: "distancing" as a job skill, and a means of functioning well under pressure. Distancing is the mental task of separating oneself emotionally from severe interactional stress (e.g., a verbally irate customer) so you maintain focus on a task. (Navy Seals learn this skill.)

To develop the distancing skill, take a deep breath when under pressure; acknowledge the situation ("Okay, the pressure’s on. I can do this."); challenge yourself to be calm and visualize calmness; and focus on positives and the temporary nature of the event. Employers value workers who can perform well under pressure. Now you know how to do it.

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Keith Stein | 10/22/2020