10 Steps to Thriving Under Pressure

Pressure is a part of life. It shows up when deadlines are tight, stakes are high,

or the situation feels unpredictable. I’ve faced moments in climbing and business

where everything was on the line. The difference between performing and

panicking is not luck. It’s preparation, mindset, and knowing how to harness

the pressure instead of being overwhelmed by it.

Thriving under pressure is a skill you can develop.

Here’s how I approach high-pressure situations to stay calm, focused,

and perform at my best.

Take a Deep Breath. Center yourself before responding. A single deep breath can reset your focus and calm your mind.
Focus on the Next Action. Don’t get lost in the big picture. Concentrate on the immediate step you need to take.
Visualize Success. Picture yourself handling the situation successfully. Visualization builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
Control What You Can. Let go of elements beyond your control. Put your energy into what you can influence.
Stick to Your Routine. When pressure spikes, routines anchor you. Habits keep you grounded and consistent.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps. Complex problems can feel overwhelming. Divide them into manageable actions and tackle them one at a time.
Practice Under Pressure. Simulate high-pressure scenarios in advance. Training prepares your mind and body to respond calmly when it counts.
Use Stress as Energy. Channel adrenaline and stress into focused action. Pressure can sharpen performance if used intentionally.
Leverage Your Support Network. Seek input, advice, or collaboration when needed. A strong team reduces the weight of pressure and improves outcomes.
Reflect and Adjust. After the moment passes, review your performance. Learn from successes and mistakes to handle future pressure more effectively.

The WYE Challenge

This week, identify one situation where you normally feel stressed or pressured.

Apply at least three of these strategies when facing it and notice how your

performance changes.

Book Recommendation: “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday

This book teaches how to use challenges and pressure as opportunities to grow and succeed.

It is full of practical insights for staying calm and performing at your peak.

Pressure is inevitable, but thriving under it is a skill you can master.

The key is preparation, mindset, and deliberate action.

With practice, you can turn pressure into performance and stress into strength.

Let’s keep climbing.

Best,

Mark

What is one high-pressure moment where you performed better than expected,

and what helped you succeed?

Comment below and let me know—I’d love to hear your story.

Let’s keep the conversation going!