It is challenging to think clearly when you are under pressure and stress.  Under those circumstances you will feel drained.  You have little time or energy to focus.  So how do people manage focus and clarity when under pressure?

The key to functioning well under pressure is lots of practice beforehand.  This entails first developing skills without pressure followed by a great deal of additional practice under tension.  When things are in disarray, you will automatically act in a manner based on your training.

There are many occupations that incorporate this preparation.  Consider what’s required for a person to become a pilot.  The first step is to learn basic flying skills during good weather on a calm day.  Next, the pilot learns to fly with various winds and at night.  A flight simulator is utilized to develop flying techniques under a variety of adverse conditions that would be too dangerous to learn in an actual airplane.

When a pilot encounters actual unfavorable conditions in the air, his training kicks in enabling him to remain clear and focused under pressure.  Because of the constant, repetitive training, he doesn’t freeze up or panic.

Here are some other professions in which extensive practice is necessary to achieve focus and clarity under pressure: police officer, racecar driver, soldier, fireman, actor, athlete, emergency room doctor, boxer, and martial artist.  To become competent in any of them requires intense training prior to encountering real life situations.

It’s easy to spot someone who has not had adequate practice.  They will invariably freeze up under pressure and either fail to take appropriate action or make bad decisions.  It’s not magic, just a matter of sufficient preparation.

Obviously, stressful situations are not confined to those in specific occupations.  Anyone can encounter them at any time.  How can you maintain focus and clarity under pressure when there is no way to predict what situations you will have to deal with?

The process starts with realizing that you will encounter problems and there is a solution for each one.  Next, appreciate adversity as an opportunity to practice remaining calm.  Handling minor obstacles provide great experience you can apply to major ones.

Use your power of visualization to create a mental simulator where you can rehearse various scenarios and your ideal responses.  This is an extremely effective method of conditioning yourself to remain calm under many different circumstances.  The process of visualization can be as effective as actual experiences for conditioning your mind.

When you are under pressure, don’t make rash decisions.  Always think before acting.  Few situations require an immediate response.  Take time to intelligently assess your options before taking action.  When possible, seek the advice of someone who has successfully dealt with a situation similar to yours.  It is also helpful to step back from your problem to enhance your ability to view it objectively.

Another great way to get practice is to help others overcome their obstacles.  It’s easier to think clearly when the problem you need to solve is not your own.  The experience you gain can then be applied when you have to maintain clarity for yourself.

In situations demanding quick action, think rather than panic.  Your objective is to make the best possible decision with the information you have at hand.  Create a list of positives and negatives of each option.  Chose the option with the most positives.

It is very simple.  The more obstacles you overcome, the greater your focus and clarity under pressure.  With clear thinking you will make better decisions.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2007 Bryan Golden

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