Hey there,
Have you ever noticed how pressure sneaks into our lives in quiet, sneaky ways—and then suddenly, it’s everywhere? It shows up in deadlines, expectations, and even faulty plumbing (more on that below). This week I’ve been sitting with that feeling: how pressure can either spark momentum or completely shut us down. Whether you’re leading a team or managing a house full of humans, the way we handle pressure matters—and it’s worth talking about.
LEADERSHIP
Let’s talk about pressure.
The kind we put on ourselves.
The kind we feel from our leaders and organizations.
And the kind we (often unknowingly) pass along to our teams.
Pressure is such a powerful, invisible force. Sometimes it feels like fuel—driving momentum, sharpening focus, lighting a fire under a deadline. Other times, it feels like being stuck under a boulder—paralyzing, heavy, and hard to name out loud.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how critical it is for leaders to understand the art of pressure—when to apply it, how much, and what kind. Because pressure isn’t all bad. But too much? Applied at the wrong time? That can quickly go from productive to overwhelming.
When pressure starts tipping into that “I can’t breathe” feeling, I’ve learned to pause and reframe it. Instead of one giant rock to move, I look for small stones—break it down, divide it out, and take action piece by piece. That’s when the pressure becomes a tool again, not a threat.
Great leaders manage their own pressure and help their teams navigate theirs.
They don’t eliminate it—but they do shape it. They read the moment and adjust.
It’s a balancing act that requires awareness, empathy, and a willingness to ask:
Is this pressure fueling us or flattening us?
I’d love to hear—how do you manage pressure? What helps you keep it in check?
LIFE
The shower didn’t work.
We’d pull the tab up, wait for water, and… nothing. Just the sound of pressure building behind the wall.
Thankfully, no water exploded out of anywhere it shouldn’t. But when I called to order the part, the woman on the other end said it wouldn’t arrive until June.
(Yes. This was March.)
My mouth dropped and I almost jumped into a conversation about how that is not okay.
But instead, I laughed. Literally said, “That’s really funny.”
Not in a sarcastic way—just… surprised. And human. And maybe a little resigned.
Because here’s the truth:
There are so many things we can’t control. And getting angry at the person reading the shipping estimate doesn’t fix the pipe or get the part here faster.
I’m glad I had a second shower to use (feeling blessed beyond belief). I know not everyone does.
And I’m reminded—again—how often grace goes further than pressure.
Even when the pressure is building behind the wall.
Out there happening to the world,
Lisa
P.S. Hit reply anytime to share your stories, ask questions, or celebrate your latest win—I’d love to hear from you!