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The Next Level
The Next Level
We all have all inner desire to reach 'the next level' of performance, growth and contribution .No matter what profession one may choose in life, definite patterns of human greatness exist. In his weekly 'Game Changer Column', Rob shares some of the insights, innovation and inspiration of the great champions of business, sport and life.
Game Changer Number FOURTEEN: 'Pressure is a Privilege'
Watching the Springbok Rugby World Cup squad announcement at the Beverly Hills Hotel last Friday, was somewhat like watching 'The Big Brother' house again.
The pressure was intense and the tough calls had to be made by Coach Heyneke Meyer. Players who had been part of the training squad - were packing their bags and abruptly sent home. Suddenly the pressure shifted onto those selected - as the nation watches with high expectation.
In her autobiography, Billie Jean King describes why great champions say: "Pressure is a Privilege."
It's the privilege of being responsible, of carrying responsibility, or previously proving to others that one has what it takes to come through for them. It means that there is something expected of you. And it has the effect of eliciting talent, which under calmer circumstances could and would have lain dormant. It is said that to whom much is given, much is also required.
Often, it is pressure that we most need - to achieve our greatest results.
But, for some it works differently. We have all watched in sport as some crack under pressure, while others seem to step up to the plate - and go on to reach the next level of great. They have the ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, while others snatch defeat from the jaws of victory - they simply choke.
Yes, it's certainly tough at the top - tough to get there and even tougher to stay there. Tough when it's one's job to push the human limits. Every great champion knows about the ups and down of sport and life. Relentless pressure can even create loss of form and can sometimes lead to 'burn out' - the inability to continue to perform at the highest level. But the great champions have a key weapon in their armory. It's called resilience. They know that the wheel turns. They never give up. They get back on the horse .And that means they know only too well - how to 'bounce back' in sport and in life.
Resilience is human buoyancy- human great at its best. After a poor run of results in 2015, it's something the Springboks will need in abundance at Rugby World Cup 2015.
It's said that it's often darkest just before dawn. Good luck Bokke.
* Invite Rob to talk on his new book: The Game Changers: Good to Great to Greater. What the Great Champions know, but coaches seldom teach... https://www.thegameplan.co.za
Rob can be contacted at robopie@thegameplan.co.za.