HOW TO PERFORM YOUR BEST UNDER PRESSURE?
- ishikalatwal
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
When I think of pressure, I often recall a CEO client of mine—someone who, at first glance, seemed to have it all. A massive office on the 32nd floor in Manhattan, a luxurious white Tesla, and a lifestyle that many would envy. But behind the scenes, I saw a different story unfold. One evening, during our executive VIP coaching session, he looked at me with anguish and said, "Bill, I think they will fire me." He had worked tirelessly but failed to meet the company's targets and stakeholder expectations. The fear of being seen as a failed CEO consumed him. As I listened, he reached into his desk drawer, pulled out two bottles of prescribed medication, took them, and let out a deep breath. The next day, news broke that he had suffered a cardiac arrest at the age of 49—his condition attributed to stress. It made me question: Is work truly the cause of stress, or is it our inability to manage our inner leader?
As someone who has taught leadership and success mastery for over two decades, I am no stranger to pressure. Every successful leader I have worked with—from top executives to world-class athletes—faces intense demands. But what sets them apart is their ability to harness the right amount of pressure. Too much pressure leads to anxiety, procrastination, and poor decision-making, while too little breeds complacency and stagnation. True leaders find the balance—creating a level of pressure that fuels growth without overwhelming them. In today’s fast-paced corporate world, where competition and uncertainty are ever-present, managing this balance is key. Your ability to adjust your pressure levels as circumstances change is a direct indicator of your leadership maturity and preparedness.
So, how can you create the right level of pressure? First, develop self-awareness—understand what triggers your stress. Second, recognize that stress is a choice; how you respond to challenges determines its impact. Third, train your mind to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth rather than a reason to panic. Finally, stop overthinking—it's a silent killer of productivity and leadership effectiveness. Leaders who master these techniques rise above average, thrive under pressure, and achieve exceptional success. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, I invite you to join my Leadership Club, where I share exclusive strategies used by top executives. Because champions aren’t defined by how they start—but by how they perform under pressure.
Your Good Friend and Mentor
Payal Nanjiani
Read Payal's New Book - "MAKE IT TO THE TOP".
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