The NFL season is coming to an end. The conversation around this time of year tends to be focused on which NFL coaches are on the hot seat. Everyone speculates about whose job is in jeopardy. Being a professional coach is an intense job. Working under pressure is a part of everyday life at that level.
As a former coach, I know that pressure well. I get asked all the time: “How did you work under that kind of pressure?” The second question people ask is what advice I would give to people who work under pressure—not just in football, but in any walk of life. To answer, I return to what I learned from my first boss, head coach of the Steelers, Chuck Noll.
Focus on what you can control.
Block out public opinion and concentrate on doing your job to the best of your ability.Coach Noll told us all the time that when things are coming at you from the outside, there’s one thing you need to do: Focus on what you can control. Block out public opinion and concentrate on doing your job to the best of your ability.
Prepare well.
He also used to tell us that pressure is something you feel when you don’t know what to do. When you prepare well and know what you are going to do in your job, then you won’t feel as much pressure.
Pray.
The last piece of advice I would give is to pray. Turn things over to the Lord. Pray that you will do your best and that is all you can really ask for.
Sound off: How do you deal with pressure?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “Have you ever felt pressure to perform well? How did you deal with it?”