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What do pro athletes have in common with entrepreneurs and business leaders? A lot of stress and pressure. Drawing on proven techniques for stress management developed for the high-stakes world of professional sports can give business leaders an extra edge when it comes to coping with stressful situations and bringing their best game to the boardroom.
The Weight of Winning
Both athletes and business leaders operate under high stakes, where failure can have significant consequences. Time constraints are also a factor, demanding peak performance within limited windows. Public scrutiny is an ever-present force, with every action dissected and evaluated by media and fans or investors and clients. Finally, both must navigate the inherent uncertainty of their respective fields, adapting to unforeseen challenges and disruptions. In both domains, success hinges on the ability to effectively manage this ever-present pressure.
The consequences of unchecked stress are equally concerning in both spheres. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association notes that the “chronic stress the athlete experiences without the opportunity to rest and recover from the rigors of such stress places the athlete at risk for burnout.”
Similarly, in the business world, stress can lead to decreased productivity and poor decision-making. Charlotte Wiseman, founder of a leadership and wellbeing consultancy, explained to Raconteur that stressed CEOs “often become more risk-averse, defensive and erratic in their thinking and decision-making.” These negative impacts highlight the critical need for effective stress management strategies both in the athletic realm and the business world.
Top Stress Management Techniques Used by Athletes
1. Visualization: Elite athletes visualize success before competition. This mental rehearsal builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and allows them to anticipate potential challenges. Olympic swimmer Micheal Phelps is known for using this tool before an important competition.
Phelps’s coach, Bob Bowman, explained the technique to Forbes: “If you can form a strong mental picture and visualize yourself doing it, your brain will immediately find ways to get you there.” Business leaders can use visualization to rehearse presentations, strategize for meetings, and envision overcoming obstacles.
2. Deep Breathing: Athletes rely on deep breathing exercises to manage stress and maintain focus under pressure. Research shows that this simple technique calms the nervous system, improves concentration, and allows for clear thinking. Business leaders can incorporate deep breathing into their daily routine, especially during stressful moments, to regain composure and make sound decisions.
3. Mindfulness: Athletes practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment and avoid getting overwhelmed by pressure. This involves focusing on the task at hand and letting go of distractions or worries about the future.
Pro football player Jeff Locke shared his experience with changing his focus in order to relieve the pressure of the game. “I can control how I set up, how I catch the ball, how I drop the ball, and how I swing, and that’s it. So everything else around me doesn’t matter.” Business leaders can also benefit from mindfulness to focus on a single task without being overwhelmed by everything else that’s going on in their company.
4. Positive Self-Talk: Athletes use positive affirmations to boost their confidence and resilience. Replacing negative self-doubt with encouraging self-talk can significantly impact performance, as demonstrated by a 2020 study. Business leaders can adopt this strategy by reminding themselves of their strengths, past successes, and the value they bring to their teams.
5. Routine and Rituals: Athletes often rely on pre-game routines and rituals to create a sense of control and reduce anxiety. This could include specific warm-up exercises, listening to music, or even wearing a lucky piece of clothing. Tennis champion Serena Williams told The Evening Standard, “I have to use the same shower, I have to use the same sandals, I have to travel with the same bags.”
While some of these routines may border on superstitious, they help athletes feel a sense of security and confidence before a big moment. Business leaders can establish calming routines before important meetings or presentations to help them feel more focused and better prepared.
6. Seeking Support: Athletes are surrounded by people who provide support and guidance: their coaches, trainers, teammates, and families. Evidence supports the idea that athletes are more likely to achieve positive results when they are encouraged through positive feedback and supported by strong connections. Business leaders can build a strong network of mentors, advisors, and colleagues who offer encouragement, feedback, and a sense of community.
Conclusion
By drawing inspiration from the world of sports, business leaders can equip themselves with valuable tools to manage pressure, maintain peak performance, and ultimately achieve success in the face of demanding circumstances. Just as athletes train their bodies, anyone can train their mind to handle pressure and thrive in a competitive arena. However, remember that stress management, like physical training, is an ongoing process and requires regular practice to be effective.
Sources
National Athletic Trainers’ Association
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