Taking a Breath: Learning from Sport to Master Business Pressure

Whilst the whole country seemed to hold its breath during England’s European 2024 penalty shootouts, each player did something I’d never seen before. They all took a noticeable, deep breath before taking their respective penalty. England’s football team in the past have typically been media fodder when they’ve ended up in a penalty shootout, but this time and perhaps for the first time there was an air of confidence about all the players. They may have been like the swan (calm exterior but paddling like hell below the surface), but this wasn’t visible.

And with the Olympics just gone and the Paralympics taking place, I wonder how many of these athletes have their preparation technique to focus?

In business, what are we doing to prepare for our big events? Do we allow ourselves to ‘take a breath’? And if we take our lead from sport, what could the impact be?

The Pressure Cooker of Business

The modern business world is a pressure cooker. Constant deadlines, increasing competition, and the ever-present demand for innovation can create an environment of high stress and anxiety. This pressure can lead to poor decision-making, decreased productivity, and a decline in employee morale.

Athletes, on the other hand, thrive under pressure. They’ve mastered the art of focusing amidst chaos. How do they do it?

Learning from the Pros

1. Mental Preparation: Athletes spend countless hours on mental training. They visualise success, practice mindfulness, and develop strategies to manage anxiety. Similarly, business leaders can benefit from incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, into their daily routines.
2. Physical Well-being: Athletes understand the importance of physical health for optimal performance. Adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise are essential for both physical and mental resilience. Businesses can encourage employees to prioritise their well-being through wellness programs and flexible work arrangements.
3. Teamwork and Support: Sports teams are built on trust, communication and mutual support. In business, fostering a strong team culture is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving shared goals. Encouraging open communication, collaboration, and recognising team achievements can create a supportive environment.
4. Resilience: Athletes experience setbacks and failures, but they bounce back stronger. Building resilience in the workplace is essential for navigating challenges and emerging stronger. Businesses can cultivate a culture of resilience by celebrating failures as learning opportunities and providing support during difficult times.
5. Focus and Execution: Athletes have an uncanny ability to focus on the task and execute flawlessly. This translates to effective time management, prioritisation and goal setting in business. Employees can improve their focus and productivity by eliminating distractions and breaking down complex projects into smaller, manageable steps.

Taking a Breath in Business

Just as athletes take a moment to breathe before a crucial play, business leaders and employees can benefit from incorporating short breaks into their workday. Taking a few minutes to step away from the screen, go for a short walk, or practice deep breathing can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase creativity.

Furthermore, creating a workplace culture prioritising mental health and well-being is essential for long-term success. Businesses can enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall performance by implementing strategies inspired by the sporting world.

Remember the lessons from the sporting world the next time you face a challenging business situation. Take a deep breath, focus on your goals, and trust your ability to succeed.