Your brow is sweaty and your heart pounds mercilessly. You’re guts threaten to spill out. It’s a clincher. Where your hopes, aspirations and training culminate. Like the humdinger tie between India and England, the crux lies in not succumbing to pressure and concentrating on “the” performance at hand.
Sportsmen, CEOs, actors and professionals in all walks of life have faced such situations. Your first instinct might be to make a quick getaway or just unravel comically in front of all and sundry. Psychologist Beena Suman feels that in such a situation, it is best to concentrate on the task at hand and not brood over anything else. Quite like MS Dhoni, who seems to have perfected the art of being “cool” under pressure. While pressure is a good way of keeping yourself revved up, too much of it can ruin work life too.
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Nicole Faria, Miss Earth and model
Pressure at work: Not very high but palpable
Meditation and breathing help me. Working out and dancing also help me relax. When I'm feeling low, I either lock myself in a room or I go out and dance — it also keeps me fit. Another good thing about dancing is that it gives you an adrenaline rush and at work, there is always some catchy music. When not at work, horse riding is very therapeutic. Being with these gentle beings gives me a feeling of comfort. I’m an animal lover and my dog is my best friend.
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Robin Uthappa, cricketer
Pressure at work: High to risky
In such situations, it’s important not to get ahead of yourself. And as sportsmen, we are constantly being tested. I focus on the ball and the moment. It is imperative to stay in the present and most cricketers get in “that zone” where all else fades. Also, everyone who plays sport, enjoys pressure and most are upto tackling the pressure. In the recent tie between India and England, the stakes were so high and I am sure everyone wanted to do their best. I stay in the present and focus on the ball. One can’t prepare for clinchers but one can stay calm. Just act. Personally, sitting in the presence of god before a match helps me. I stay collected and cool, focus on the bowler, ball, wicket and do the best I can.
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Ashwini Ponappa, badminton player
Pressure at work: High
The pressure can get to you. It’s a shuttle to shuttle focus for me. I force myself to be calm and maybe even a little blank. It helps push the trepidation away. The most important thing is not to think too much. Take each point as it comes, and do your best. I play doubles, so I have Jwala giving me pointers to calm me. When I am irritated, it’s great to have her around. For singles players, there is more pressure. I recently started yoga and deep breathing. But in the end, staying calm in the face of adversity is what helps.