Pressure is a privilege

We have all felt the pressure to perform at some time. Most of the time we put that pressure on ourselves. Often the pressure we put on ourselves is as a result of our own high standards. If we consistently perform to a high standard in other areas of our lives, we naturally expect to give our best on race day. A glance around our squad will show that they’re all overachievers.

 

The other day I had a phone conversation with one of our Hawaii qualifiers. She’ll be racing in Kona in four weeks. One of our subjects discussed was how she saw the day unfolding. She’s very excited about the whole experience. This is her first Hawaii Ironman. She talked about the pressure she puts on herself to perform, and how that will affect her.

 

She quoted a very good affirmation. “Pressure is a Privilege”.  If you spend your life performing to a high standard in every area of your life. Hawaii qualifiers have already proven that they belong in this group. People get used to you performing well in every situation in your life. It’s not unusual for friends and work colleagues to say things which suggest that they expect big things from you. I’ve heard interviews with Hawaii Ironman winners stating that the year after the first win is the most difficult year to race because of the media and public expectation. The pressure to perform.

 

Now when you look at the affirmation “Pressure is a privilege”. The pressure to perform is a privilege you have earned by being a “performer”. Do this little exercise to help put that pressure in balance.

 

 If you draw a big high ladder, with a diving board on top, and a small pool at the bottom. Draw yourself at the top of that diving board about to dive into the little pool. Now draw an audience of “stick people”, one for every one of your friends and family, who believe in you. A “stick coach, a stick mother, a stick husband or wife, a stick guy at the gym, a stick kid next door” and so on.

 

Now above yourself, list what you fear may go wrong, * Not being strong mentally, * Not making the right decisions under pressure, * Not pacing yourself well, * Not handling a setback well. The list goes on. There’s no end to fear of failure.

 

Now list why all of your “stick supporters” believe in you. They believe in you because, * You’re a role model, you’re consistently strong mentally, * You make calm decisions under pressure, * You always pace yourself well, you’re always strong at the end, * You have a record of handling anything which may come up with clarity and courage. That’s why these people, these “stick people”, all believe in you.

 

That’s why you’re privileged to feel the pressure. It’s an honour to carry their hopes and prayers.