Handling Pressure – Being Calm under Fire

June marks the height of audit season in Kenya—the busiest and most demanding time for professionals in Audit and Tax. It's also the perfect moment to reflect on what it takes to stay grounded under pressure.

Almost 23 years ago, I began my career in audit—and I was hooked from day one. Yes, it came with long hours and high expectations. The deadlines were tight, and the stakes even tighter. However, I'm not sure any other field could have offered the same level of purpose, challenge, or satisfaction.

Having worked in both India and Kenya, one constant has stood out: the unrelenting pace of the audit season. There were times I questioned whether this lifestyle was sustainable—especially those stretches of sleepless nights and week-long office marathons just to deliver on time. I still remember logging in on a Monday morning in June and only going home that Friday afternoon after finalizing a critical June 30 deadline. These days, I may not have the same endurance, but I now understand the toll this pressure can take—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Yet, I've also learned how to navigate it. Through trial, reflection, and plenty of missteps, I have discovered a few personal practices that help me stay centered. While they may not work for everyone, they've made a meaningful difference in my journey—and maybe, they'll help you too.

My Go-To Routines

From January to June—with peaks in February, March, and June—the audit season demands everything you've got. These routines have helped me preserve a sense of balance:

• A dose of humor: Each January, I start re-watching Friends. It's become a quiet tradition spanning over a decade now—an episode or two at night that always guarantees a laugh. Even the smallest joy can feel like a reset button on a stressful day.
• Reading before bed: No matter how hectic the day, I read a few pages before sleeping. Even on the busiest days, I manage to read 4–5 pages as my way of slowing down, shifting gears, and creating space for rest.
• Evening walks: Almost every evening, I take a walk—at least five times a week, rain or shine. That movement, however simple, clears my mind before I re-enter home (or plug back into work). 

The lesson? Carve out time for what lifts you . Whether it's exercise, conversations with friends, a favorite show, or even enduring your spouse's impromptu TED Talk—make space for joy, no matter how small.

Don’t acknowledge the stress

When people ask how I'm doing during audit season, I usually say, “It's manageable.” I've found that refusing to mentally concede to stress gives me a sharper edge. Repeatedly telling myself “I’m overwhelmed” tends to amplify that very feeling.

That said, this doesn't mean ignoring burnout. If the load becomes too heavy, speak up. A trusted manager, mentor, or HR partner can help move from venting to real solutions. The goal isn't to bottle it up—it's to shift from helplessness to action.

Find Meaning in the Challenge – Cherish the experience

Pressure has been a powerful teacher. Every tight deadline, every difficult conversation, every team hurdle has shaped my personal and professional growth. I wouldn't trade these experiences—they are the foundation of who I am today.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Structure is your best defense against pressure. I plan my work a few steps ahead and strive not to carry today's tasks into tomorrow. My toolkit includes Outlook and an Excel tracker I designed myself. For some, it's diaries or sticky notes—and that's just as effective. (Though, when your sticky notes remind you to check your other sticky notes, it may be time to consolidate!)

No matter the method, a structured routine and proactive mindset make all the difference.

A colleague once told me during a particularly intense season: “Extraordinary targets require extraordinary effort.” That stayed with me.

And I'll leave you with one of my favorite reminders—one that beautifully captures this entire message:

> “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” –Albert Einstein