Pressure is a part of life that is almost impossible to avoid. At each point in life, you will be faced with expectations, deadlines, challenges, and some other difficult situations that may test your strength. But the truth is that pressure itself is not actually a problem. What truly matters is how you respond to the pressure. The same pressure that breaks someone can also be the same pressure that will build someone else up. That is, it can either produce diamonds or it can reduce to dust; but it all depend on your response and on your reaction. ![pexels-rudonni-7568017.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWfTjrVqPSdZ7hxgEytoeBWZJ9yM82yXwgEU5S1kfKyZs/pexels-rudonni-7568017.jpg) _{Image from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/clear-crystal-on-black-and-white-surface-7568017)} When you expose a wet clay to heat, it will become hardened. But if you also expose wax to the same amount of heat, it will simply be melted. You see, the same condition; the same heat, yet different responses to heat. This also happens in life. If you have ever taken time to read about the formation of diamonds, you will understand that they are formed under intense pressure under the ground over time. That is, without pressure, it would be almost impossible for diamonds to form. In the same way, a lot of the strongest, successful, and high achievers are products of tough situations. That is, they did not run from pressures, rather they welcomed it, learned from it, and then allowed it to refine and define them. It was actually pressure that made them to grow, think better, and become successful. On the other hand, if pressure is not embraced well, or if it is mixed with fear, panic, and doubt, it can become destructive. It can also lead to poor decisions, missed opportunity, or emotional breakdown. Which means that instead of bringing out the best in the person, it will simply expose their weaknesses and their lack of preparedness. This is what turns pressure into dust. It is at this point that the pressure becomes overwhelming instead of being an instrument for growth and development. What makes the difference is the mindset. When you begin to see pressure as a threat to you, you will have the natural tendency to begin to avoid it. This can become counterproductive, because it will make you anxious, uncertain, and hesitant. But when you see pressure as an opportunity and as something advantageous, your perception will change. You will become more open-minded, and you will ask yourself these questions instead "how will this benefit me?" "What can I learn at this point from this experience?" Instead of asking "why is this happening?" This shift in your mentality can make a lot of difference in your life, and will make you to make the most of pressure. A very important factor that can make you to make the most out of pressure is preparation. You have to understand that pressure does not create character, rather it reveals what is already inside you. If you have developed skills, character, discipline, and has developed your mind, the pressure will simply bring out the best in you. But if you have been docile, too comfortable, and have avoided growth, pressure will also reveal it too. This is why it is important to constantly develop yourself, build up capacity, these will get you prepared for the moments that matter the most. ![pexels-brettjordan-7845030.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmcwXpVRTWd8gPMZ4LX8C6FUZdoRM8FmbRbVE77TG7ZKjN/pexels-brettjordan-7845030.jpg) _{Image from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-letter-tiles-on-white-surface-7845030)} Another important factor to also consider is control. It is true that you may not control the pressure that comes to you, but you can definitely control your responses to it. Your ability to stay calm, think clearly, and acting wisely under pressure is a skill that should be mastered. This requires self-awareness, patience, and constant practice. You have to train yourself to handle small pressures, so that you will grow to manage far bigger pressures. You also have to learn to manage your emotions. Pressure can come when stress is not handled properly, and it may also becloud your sense judgement. You have to learn to stay focused in the face of pressure, also maintain positive attitude, and avoid any form of panic. It is worthy to note that the idea is not to deny the existence of pressure, neither should you allow it to control you, but rather you should learn to control it and use it to your advantage. ***Thanks for reading***

Peace on y'all

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