Do We Perform Better Under Pressure?

It is often said that moderate pressure makes people perform better. The Yerkes-Dodson Law of psychology states that a given task needs an ideal level of motivation or arousal.

Too much or too little psychological activation can hinder the implementation of the task. Any challenge would also appear stressful and a burden on us if it is imposed without our consent or intrinsic interest.

Many parents have a life-long belief that kids should be ‘hardened up’ and go to great lengths to ensure that things are not easy for their children. Contrary to popular belief, exposure to unpleasant situations does not help cope with the difficulties that young people will face in the future. Instead of adjusting the person, a better way is to address the factors that create such situations in the first place.

On the flip side of 'Grit Parents' are the Helicopter Parents who coddle their children whenever they have time and spend money to ensure their kids are not deprived of anything. This ensures that the kids are either spoiled or are not able to function properly when they are out in the real world on their own.