If you want to perform better during high pressure situations at work, then you should learn to name your bad habits. This mindfulness practice allows you to recognize behaviors that may not serve you well.
For example, I know I’m a perfectionist. This can be good in that I have a commitment to getting things right and pay attention to detail. But sometimes, perfectionism can move into an obsessive territory, where it starts to produce diminishing returns, threaten deadlines, and will likely annoy others.
Having the ability to recognize when that moment happens, allows you to adjust your behavior and refocus on the task at hand. After all, in moments of high pressure, we often default to certain behaviors and not all of them are good.
Name Your Bad Habits Example
I’ve found it valuable to give a name or persona to the bad habit. Let me introduce you to Bobby Perfecto. He is what I call myself when I realize I’m becoming a little too much of a perfectionist.
I’ll say, “Looks like a Bobby Perfecto moment,” or “You’re getting a little Bobby Perfecto,” and I can chill out and loosen my grip on my perfectionistic tendencies.
The name is memorable and gives you a way to acknowledge your shortcomings in a positive way. The problem isn’t perfectionism but maintaining the right level of it.
Also Highlight Good Habits
You can create multiple personas and they don’t just have to focus on your bad habits. They can reflect positive traits.
Get It Done Gwendolyn refers to the moment when I realize I need to focus and work quickly to meet a deadline. Take Your Time Tony inspires me to slow down and consider or enjoy something.
These nicknames can inspire future performances by giving you the chance to make little adjustments to your behavior.
Former NBA star, Robert Horry, is a great example of using a persona in high pressure situations. While Horry’s career seven point scoring average may not be that impressive, his ability to hit clutch shots in high stakes games helped him be a part of seven NBA championship teams. He consistently performed extremely well during the playoffs. Horry would refer to his playoff persona as Big Shot Bob.
Identifying these names can also be a powerful team building activity. Make them fun and consider some alliteration. It gives you the opportunity to put a spotlight on a potentially negative situation in a positive way. It’s done with a level of humor and an acknowledgement that we all have the potential to improve.
