Leadership Thought #394 – Grace Under Pressure
To reach the pinnacle of anything, you must exhibit grace under pressure.
It is fascinating to watch the Olympics for many reasons, and I enjoy observing how different athletes handle pressure. Some people easily seize the moment, while others sadly fall apart and make uncharacteristic mistakes. When you get to this level of performance excellence, about every competing athlete has superlative physical gifts and natural ability. What separates the winners from the losers is often their mental toughness and emotional resiliency. They have grace under pressure.
It is usually obvious when we see someone who shows grace under pressure:
- They avoid silly controversies.
- They are loose and relaxed rather than tight and stressed.
- Focus and determination trump worry and self-doubt.
- They focus on executing their strategy and doing their best rather than worrying about the competition.
- When they encounter a temporary obstacle, they trust their training, recover quickly, and move forward.
- It seems like they are fully in the moment and enjoying the experience rather than dreading the consequences of failing or underperforming.
- They respect and appreciate the talents and accomplishments of others rather than resenting them.
- They are generous with their praise and gratitude and humble in their self-assessment.
Leaders should learn from the top Olympic athletes, both those with gold medals and those without. Business is an ongoing competition. Your mettle will be tested regularly. You will win some and lose some, but you should always hold on to your dignity and strive to show grace under pressure.
Life will have moments of pure joy and exultation, but it will also challenge you with despair and hardship. Regardless of what happens, all we can do is our best and let the chips fall where they may. Seize the moments rather than let them seize you!
Related articles
- Grace under pressure (auntieemsguide.wordpress.com)
- What’s Between the Ears? (peoplewatchblog.com)
- Inside The Rings: Gymnast Larisa Latynina Is Elegant Reminder of Olympics History (nytimes.com)
- Olympic Doubles Troubles – unsportsmanlike Badminton scandal (thomassherlock.com)
