Under Pressure

We all face it during our lifespan, and it happens more than once. Whether you’re a student, or you’re a working adult or both pressure can come from all different angles including: family, education, society, friends, your job etc…the list goes on…

I’m currently in my final year of university (thank you Jesus!!) and it’s time for me to face my final hurdle of EXAMS – 4 exams in 4 days.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been feeling the inevitable pressure of finishing university well, which has manifested in the form of anxiety. To avoid a repeat of last year where my anxiety towards exams got the best of me by bringing out the worst in me, I thought it wise to try and get to the root of the problem.

So I decided to talk to someone, because sometimes you need to say your thoughts out loud so you can understand your own logic. If you’re like me, talking to someone is always the last option. I will always try and solve a problem by myself and with God before burdening someone else with it. BUT…talking to someone is so therapeutic. Not saying that the God & I situation doesn’t work but people are gifts from God. 

Anyway as a result of my conversation with someone I realised the problem isn’t anxiety towards exam, the problem was the pressure I imposed on myself. The aim of graduating with a great degree wasn’t for me, it was so I can please others – mainly my family. It sounds funny saying this out loud but it’s the truth. I can be a real people pleaser .

The burden of pleasing others isn’t fun because you sacrifice yourself in the process.
So whats next? I had to ask myself a question – “Tito what do YOU want?”

It sounds simple right? Well honestly I’m not 100% sure. One thing I do know is that my definition of success has to change. My previous definition has been based on the opinion of others – I’ve been looking to others as a validation of myself and that’s wrong. People do not define you, God does.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument],
And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own…
–  Jeremiah 1 vs 5

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.
–  Jeremiah 29:11

So what is my new definition of success
Success is peace of mind – a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming. 💋👊🏾

So what is the moral of the story? Sometimes pressure is not a bad thing, it can be a symptom that leads you to discover the real disease. So if you’re feeling pressure, take a moment and ask yourself “whats the real problem here?” and understand with every trial comes grace.

Finally remember

Pressure makes diamonds
–  George S Patton Jr.

Faithfully Tito

💋

Don’t forget to check out this week’s something new. Also if you’re in exam season I reposted some great scriptures to help you get through it *click here*.
Finally, here is a song that re-iterates this message.

Until next week.x