Master Pressure Like a Game

When I’m under pressure, my first instinct isn’t always the best one. I catch myself rushing, overthinking, or reacting too fast—like I’m button-mashing in a game, hoping something works. But that usually just makes things worse. (And no one likes playing with the button-smasher.)

Good players don’t just hit buttons at random. They move with control. You won’t see them flailing—they stay steady, even when the pace picks up.

Like when the blocks start falling faster in Tetris, there’s no time to hesitate—but panicking makes mistakes more likely. The best players don’t freeze or move chaotically. They breathe, focus, and keep stacking.

Real life works the same way. When stress ramps up—deadlines, tough conversations, unexpected problems—it’s easy to react without thinking. But just like in games, panic doesn’t help. The steadier we are, the better we handle what’s in front of us.

I’ve been working on shifting my mindset, treating high-pressure moments like a game. Instead of rushing and making messy moves, I need to remember to slow down, notice what’s happening, and focus on the next best step. It’s not always easy, but the more I practice, the more natural it feels.

And that’s the good news—staying steady under pressure is a skill we can build. The more we practice in small, everyday moments, the easier it gets when the big ones hit. We don’t have to be perfect—just calm enough to keep playing.

ACTION: Think of a time when stress made you rush or react without thinking. What would it have looked like if you had stayed steady, like a skilled player in control? Next time pressure builds, take a breath, slow down, and make one move at a time.