Staying Calm in High Pressure Situations

Before working with Conscious Wealth, I was a two year captain and 5 year letterman (thanks Covid) for the track and field team at the University of Georgia.  I went from being a walk-on freshman to an All-American in my 4th year. Part of this success was because of the way I prepared for competition.

Moments after the picture above was taken, I competed against the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist in the 800m. To say it was high stress might be an understatement. Although it was a big race, I treated the preparation the same.

Here are a few tips and tricks I have learned over the years to stay calm in high pressure moments.

1. Box Breathing - This slows the heart rate down
2. Visualization - The brain is extremely powerful and if it has “seen” success, it believes it can happen. I run each race in my mind dozens of times before the starting gun ever fires.
3. Prayer - I pray before my races because it puts me in the moment and reminds me of my purpose.