Bill Russell, in Second Wind, defines pressure and performance.
For example:
- Brady coming back from 25 points down in the second half of the Super Bowl.
- Houston, we have a problem (Apollo 13).
- Sully Sullenberger landing in the Hudson River.
The need is to really stay calm.
- Three Mile Island as opposed to Chornobyl.
- Bluffing in poker (vs. the “tell”).
- Is Mickey Mouse a dog or a cat?
- Police overreaction.
- The basketball player’s wink.
Keep perspective, the world isn’t watching. Most pressure is self-generated.
Think of Philippe Petit and the six feet.
Use some humor. It’s usually not fatal if you fail.
Puncture the pressure balloon.
