We see them all around us every day. They are our business associates, athletes, and movie stars; even a couple of our friends fit the bill. They have it all. They are cool and collected always, especially when the pressure is on. You have never seen them give in to their emotions or anxiety; they are always calm and collected.
How do they do it? When a challenging dilemma comes how do they respond so quickly and efficiently? The solution to maintaining your serenity and ability to think clearly in any situation is a matter of mental discipline, and it is one of the most valuable things you can possess. It dictates the outcome of every situation.
Humans, Pressure, & Performance
Here is a fact; there are psychological exercises which athletes use which help them to perform better. By getting their minds into direct focus they are able to bring their bodies into line, resulting in enhanced performance. Experts in the area of performance under pressure agree that business owners, company executives, and others in high-pressure positions can use the same techniques to get a leg up competitively. Mental strength is necessary in every life area, and you need not be born with it. You can train your mind through diligent practice, carried out with serious commitment.
Strategic Head Games
Life proves to us that there are those whose performance is average or below, doing the bare minimum and avoiding pressure. Then there are those who thrive under pressure. Those who stand out from the rest are the ones who seem to deal with stress the best. They are the individuals who move quickly up their chosen ladder and present innovative new ideas to the world. Additionally, their steadfast, temperate mindsets inspire the performance of those around them. What are they doing differently?
The answer lies in the way they respond to pressure. Our responses are a production of our attitude, and an attitude begins in the mind. Are you looking at an obstacle as a barrier, or an exercise that is going to improve your life? If your mindset is in the “challenge state”, you are going to take the obstacle and use it for the ultimate good. If you respond with fear or panic, you are then in a “threat state”. These two mindsets are producing results – or lack of them.
Vigilance and strategy must be applied as you embark on a change in your thought life and mental state. If you have been unaware of the thoughts you have been having, try writing out your attitudes and thoughts during the day. Compare them to the day you actually had. You will begin to see the problem, if you are thinking negatively when you should be thinking positively.
Next, you must diligently begin to tell yourself things that are encouraging and nurturing; this requires practice. Your mind is powerful; engage in positive self-talk and you will be taking the next step. You are literally training yourself, so be patient.
Doing Your Best Under Pressure
When you are in a situation that incites anxiety, it is natural to feel this as a physically experience. Even A-listers experience this. Heart beat rises, palms sweat, breathing rate speeds up. The key is to get yourself into the zone; develop a strategy to keep calm. This is about looking at the situation and focusing on what needs to be done first. Living in the precise moment you are in is what you should aim for. Meditation exercises will give you an opportunity to practice focus and slowing the mind.
These skills are essential in mastering the emotions. You must look at the task at hand and let it alone fill your thoughts. Ignore the physical symptoms of anxiety. This will help you to get the job done, rising above in your performance. The one who succeeds under pressure has mastered their thoughts and responses, their focus, and eliminated emotional reaction.
If you are feeling personally dissatisfied with your performance and long for improvement and success you will achieve it through commitment. You will succeed in your pursuit of success by mastering your thoughts and responses. Begin your quest today.
