People respond to these situations in various ways. For some, pressure is positive and stimulating -- they feel a surge of energy and enjoy rising to the challenge. On the flip side, others may view the same scenario as very stressful. Most of us fall somewhere between these two extremes and, for the most part, perform well when the pressure is on. 

Stress can be manifested in many ways -- from mild feelings of anxiety to more urgent red flags, such as chronic headaches or insomnia. To help you make sure stress does not jeopardize your job success, consider the following tips for conquering workplace tension:

• Prioritize your work. Schedule "must-do" tasks for a time of day when you're most productive. Be realistic in estimating the amount of time it will take you to complete a certain project and plan your day accordingly. If you're struggling with a complex assignment, try breaking it down into smaller tasks and steps. 
  
  
• Have a clear understanding. Before you embark on a project, make sure you comprehend the objectives. If you're uncertain, ask your supervisor to clarify his or her expectations and your responsibilities. As the project progresses, seek guidance immediately if you encounter unforeseen difficulties.
  
  
• Analyze your career goals. Stress can also result from a feeling that your career is stuck in a holding pattern. If you're feeling frustrated about your professional life, review your long-term ambitions. Consider positive steps you can take to change the situation. You may decide, for example, to make yourself more marketable by continuing your education or seeking an advanced certification.
  
  
• Take breaks. Try to get away from your desk during lunch, engage in a lively conversation with your colleagues or visit the gym. Periodic breaks throughout the day will help keep your productivity level high at work.

ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.