Under Pressure

by Maria Corse
 
Over time our culture has developed an overwhelmingly insane assumption that adding pressure to any situation automatically makes people more productive, creative, and, yes, even smarter.  What we fail to recognize is that the adrenaline released during those times of intense stress, is evolutionarily designed to present the illusion of bigger - better - faster – in bursts - for an incredibly short period of time.  There is a reason it is called the fight or flight response.  When humans are placed in situations where the only means of motivation are threats and pressure – for prolonged stretches of time – burnout is inevitable.
 
Let’s be honest, we all have enough natural stress in our lives – we certainly don’t need anyone to manufacture it for us with the false impression that it is beneficial for our future.  Yet, that is exactly what we do to millions of students every day (not to mention the adults who work at jobs they hate, merely, to survive). 

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We, quite simply, place our kids under crazy pressure and expect them to perform – academically, socially, and athletically. And, in the process, teach that learning is a drudgery, uncool, and not, in the tiniest bit, fun. Is it any wonder some rebel, become apathetic or anxious and depressed?  Young people are being diagnosed and labeled at an alarming rate; however, the obvious remedy is ignored, while greater emphasis is placed on control – tamping down and restraining the innate desire for freedom of choice.  
 
Self-Directed, or, Life-Learning removes those external motivators and places decision making squarely on each individual. Therefore, each person is in charge of determining the direction of their education, and, as it turns out, their life.  When you remove the pressure – the intimidation, arm-twisting, negotiations, force, and coercion – there is suddenly nothing for them to push against.  Which, then, allows them, eventually, to place all that displaced energy into moving forward, at their own pace, to discover delight and joy in learning (and hard work), and, to create the path they are meant to follow.
 
(There -  you too can now have the 1981 Queen/David Bowie hit “Under Pressure” running through your heads --- You are most welcome.)

​Next Monday! 

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