EPISODE 11: HOW TO THINK UNDER PRESSURE

Everyone has a plan until pressure hits. Then most people stop thinking and start reacting.Under pressure, the prefrontal cortex gets hijacked by the amygdala. Decision-making degrades. But elite performers train for this.Three principles:Slow down to speed up: Take one deliberate breath. Navy SEALs use box breathing—4 seconds in, hold 4, out 4, hold 4.Narrow your focus: What's the one thing you need to do right now? Just that.Reframe the stakes: Will this matter in five years? Usually not.Today's Practice: Practice before you need it. Train this skill in low-stakes moments so it's available in high-stakes ones.Master the mind. Your life will follow.