In moments of pressure we often become automatically stupid. We say what we didn’t mean to say. We do what we didn’t mean to do. We freeze. It seems that outside of the pressure zone we’re very clever. We have clarity of thought, can find the right words, feel calm & seem to be able to see the bigger picture. Much like preparing for a speech versus giving a speech. Perhaps one could look at rugby as a bunch of very clever people shouting the odds at the automatically stupid referee!
I have huge amounts of respect for people who are able to remain very clever in moments of pressure. Their minds seem to be in a state of ‘rest’ or ‘relaxed alertness’ seemingly being able to read the situation, make the right call and be successful.
What if we could get ourselves to a place of doing what we most need to do (very clever) whilst under pressure?
Sportsmen understand the importance of remaining very clever under pressure. There are consequences for ‘dropping the ball’. It may mean their position or their pay cheque. Hence the ratio of time they spend training versus performing.
So what about us? We have positions. We perform as spouses, friends, colleagues, citizens, employees, leaders, managers, individuals...
What is the consequence of our lack of performance under pressure?
How much time do you commit to training versus performing?
The following Acronym is aptly named REST. It breaks building toward the state of relaxed alertness into 4 training methods.
R - References
This is the acquiring of knowledge & principles which we can call on under pressure. Imagine you have a book shelf in your head. As you engage in learning you fill that shelf with books. You store sentences, paragraphs & insights which you can call on in moments of pressure in any given context. Commit time to learning.
E - Energised
Remaining energised is essential to avoiding being automatically stupid. Engage in spiritual, mental, emotional and physical activities that you know work to keep you energised.
S - Self Talk
Negative self talk is a powerful way of putting pressure on yourself. Often we take our own ‘limiting beliefs’ into situations. “I can’t do this!” or “I am going to fail!” These limiting beliefs rob you of the positive foundation that you need to be very clever under pressure. Speak positively over yourself.
T - Triggers
Triggers are those things around you which always put pressure on you and cause you to be automatically stupid? Triggers could be words people say, or particular individuals, situations or simply the taxi drivers. Being aware of them allows you to consciously approach them differently slowly breaking the power they have over you.
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Travis Gale has spent the last 5 years running his own development business in South Africa’s corporate world and is currently involved in various long term partnerships with clients across a number of industries. Furthermore he has travelled to conferences internationally hunting down latest trends and insights. Having cycled around the world and survived a tsunami, his passion for crossing borders often lends itself to an interesting blend of stories and insight. He sees himself as a ‘change catalyst’ and displays strength in facilitating insight into the right spaces. Find out more at www.appletreelive.com