When the stakes are high, your mindset can make or break your performance. To lead effectively under pressure, train yourself to focus on what you can control—not on the outcome or others’ opinions. Here’s how. 

Ignore the noise. Don’t let external feedback dictate your confidence. Whether it’s praise or criticism, both can be distracting. Instead, stay grounded in your preparation and process. Visualize a mental “bubble” around yourself to block out unhelpful noise, especially when facing high-stakes decisions or public scrutiny. 

Prioritize process, not outcome. Shift your attention from results to execution. Ask yourself: Did I follow the steps I practiced? This mindset allows you to reset and move on quickly after a mistake. Build habits that emphasize preparation—gathering facts, weighing options, and making deliberate choices—so you’re not derailed by unpredictable outcomes. 

Turn disruption into routine. When facing stress, lean on structure. Use moments of interruption to reflect, refocus, and return to your routine. Deep breaths, consistent rituals, and small physical resets can keep your performance steady when the environment isn’t.

Adapted from Lessons from a Record-Setting NFL Kicker on Performing Under Pressure by Gretchen Oltman
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