Don’t give up at your pressure point | Key principles that helped me through university

Diamonds are among the world’s most precious stones, admired for their beauty, value, and symbol of luxury. However, the brilliance we see is the result of an intense process. They are formed under extreme pressure deep within the earth’s core. If the pressure were reduced during their formation, the result would be defective and unformed stones.

Achieving our dreams can be understood as a science. The people we aspire to become are always better versions of who we are today. If I had to formulate an equation to illustrate how we evolve into our ideal selves, it would be Present Self + Skill Acquisition + Mental Development + High Pressure = Better Self. High pressure is the essential element that molds us into our upgraded selves. So, never shy away from or avoid the pressure.

Some of today’s most successful people in various industries came from high levels of poverty. How did these individuals become the global icons we admire today? How did Cristiano Ronaldo reach 800 career goals? How did Hans Wilsdorf turn Rolex into the biggest watch company in the world? How did Michael Jackson become the King of Pop? The common thread in all these success stories is high pressure. They embraced it and let it shape them into massive successes.

In my final year, I was working on a weaving project. It was my first time weaving, and I found it challenging. I had to submit three woven textile squares, but the night before the deadline, I had only completed half of the first one. I was panicking, and the pressure was getting to me. Frustrated, I eventually fell asleep, only to wake up the next morning feeling the same way. But something shifted in me—I chose to embrace the pressure. When I focused and pushed myself, I entered what some call “the zone” or, as I prefer, “the flow.” In this state of complete focus, distractions, doubts, and anxieties couldn’t sway me. Suddenly, everything seemed easier, and time appeared to slow down. The weaving, which initially seemed endless, became a breeze, and I moved forward smoothly.

We can’t stop the pressure from coming. Throughout life, at different stages, we will face high pressure. The difference between those who crumble and those who excel lies in choosing to embrace or resist the pressure. When I fought it, everything felt like a burden. But once I embraced it, I began moving forward.

Don’t get me wrong—take breaks! In my next article, I will discuss finding the balance between taking breaks and pushing through.

But for today, I encourage you all to welcome the pressure and let it transform you into the person you aspire to be.