IMNSHO -- Many people tell themselves they "work better under pressure." But it is really an excuse for not performing with excellence. When the job winds up half-baked, they can always say, "I could have done better if only I had more time." It may be used as an escape from having to face one's limitations, for one never has to admit: I did absolutely the best job I could have. And it still wasn't as good as someone else's/to win the contest/to earn the promotion/to get an A/to please my boss/my spouse/etc.