Pressure vs. Anxiety

The University of Colorado introduced their new football coach this week, Mel Tucker.

(as a CU alum, I gotta admit that I'm pretty fired up about him)

During his first press conference, the topic of "pressure" came up.

He was discussing the pressure on him and on his players.

He made a very powerful point.

There is a difference, Mel said, between pressure and anxiety.

Pressure is a good thing.  It forces you to raise your game and play at your best.  It causes focus and intensity.

Many of our very best results come when we feel pressure.

Then Mel made the point that anxiety is different than pressure.  Anxiety is when we feel nervous and scattered.  It's when we lack confidence and certainty.

Many of our worst performances come when we feel anxiety.

Here was Mel Tucker's biggest takeaway.  Anxiety results from lack of preparation.

That's the difference.  If you would rather feel pressure than anxiety, get prepared.

When you are prepared you welcome the pressure knowing that you are ready for whatever may happen.

Oh, and one more thing.  Go Buffs!