Shapes Under Pressure - The Triangle

We all experience stress from time to time, and many of us share similar symptoms when we are stressed. Some of these shared symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic, are physical, emotional, and mental. They include exhaustion, headaches, high blood pressure, digestive problems, chest pain, muscle tension, a weakened immune system, anxiety, irritability, depression, panic attacks, and sadness.

But how do these symptoms show up according to your Shape? In this post, I will focus on the Triangle.

The Triangle is the one Shape that actually thrives in stressful situations. In fact, the Triangle tends to be their own worst enemies when it comes to applying pressure. Many Triangles report that they are happiest when they have deadlines to meet and tension in their lives. Of course, this is all consistent with the personality of the Triangle. This is true both at work and at home.

Note: It's important to recognize we all need a certain amount of tension in our lives to function effectively. If not enough is happening, we get bored and listless, and life just isn’t exciting and challenging enough. However, if too much is going on, we feel stressed out and unable to cope. Each person has their own “tolerance point” at which they can’t take anymore. However, some people can tolerate much more activity and confusion than others; their tolerance level is much higher. These people will even seek to increase the activity in their lives. They are called the stimulation seekers or “Type A” personalities. These are the Triangles among us.

Two Different Circumstances for the Triangle

Triangles tend to experience stress in two different circumstances:

(1) when there is not enough going on, and

(2) when there is too much going on.

The first situation is often not controlled by them. The second is usually a direct result of the Triangle’s own tendency to take on too much. When the Triangle loses control, it is devastating!

How to Identify the Triangle Under Stress

1. Frenetic activity. Because the Triangle is such a focused person, when the going gets tough, the Triangle gets even tougher! They devote body and soul to the tasks (always more than one) at hand! Efforts are doubled both at work and play.

2. Fury. When the Triangle has indeed bitten off more than they can chew, rather than retreat, they will express anger towards others. This is when you need to get out of their way!

3. Disheveled appearance. Triangles work hard at looking relaxed and “in control.” When they don’t, you know something is wrong.

4. Habit intensification. Because Triangles tend to be compulsive people, any compulsive habit can intensify during a stressful period. Everything speeds up when the stress is high.

5. Hypercritical of everything…and everyone. It is hard to please a Triangle under stress, no matter how hard you try.

6. A higher level of impatience. It just can’t be done soon enough. If the Triangle under typical stress says, “I need it right now,” the Triangle under extreme stress says, “I need it yesterday.” Losing control as a Triangle, especially when already under extra stress, can be ugly.

7. More susceptible to colds/flu or migraines. Of course, the body reacts synchronically. We are all most susceptible to illness during times of stress, and of all the Shapes, the Triangle finds it the most difficult to admit they need to slow down, much less take a sick day. Instead of resting, the Triangle presses on, often resulting in migraines, cold, or flu.

8. Avoidance of friends/family. This is a very harmful behavior, because during stressful times, we need our “support system” the most! Triangles will avoid those who know them well because of their pride. They don’t want others to see that they are over their heads because they are fearful of losing their respect.

Triangles feel most comfortable and least stressed when:

1. They are in control of the situation.

2. They are the undisputed authority/leader of the group.

3. Others are dependent upon them.

4. They are in the middle of a crisis that they know they can resolve.

5. They are in the position to write the rules.

6. They are heading a “start-up” or a “clean-up” operation.

7. Their opinion is sought by other important people.

8. They are a member of a prestigious group.

9. They have just won an award or received some form of personal recognition.

10. They enjoy the respect of superiors, peers, and (selected) subordinates.

Summary: If you are a Triangle, try to be more aware of the early warning signs that accompany stress. If you are in the position of being a “support person” for a Triangle, you can assist your Triangle in this process. Encourage them to slow down and learn to relax. This is very difficult for the classic Triangle, who works and plays hard. Triangles must learn to listen, relax, and rely on others for their own good.

Note: Like Boxes, Triangles place the greatest emphasis on accomplishing the tasks required in the workplace. Unlike the Box who just wants to be consulted and provide data and expertise, the Triangle wants to be “in charge” of those tasks. Being a hard driver, the Triangle doesn’t know when (or how) to slow down, and the debilitating effects of stress often creep in before they are recognized.

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Shapes Under Pressure - The Triangle