A few months ago, a high-level leader in college athletics reached out with a vulnerable but powerful question:
“Can you help me manage my game-day anxiety?”
He didn’t need tactical advice. He didn’t want more data or film study. What he needed — what so many leaders need — was a way to quiet the storm within, so he could lead confidently when doing so mattered most.
As we worked together, I began to sketch out a framework. It started with his needs, but I soon realized the framework’s relevance extended far beyond the sidelines. These principles apply to anyone in a position of responsibility — executives, managers, coaches, teachers, parents, entrepreneurs.
Leadership is a high-stakes game, and the pressure is real. Anxiety isn’t a weakness — it’s a signal. Having anxiety means you care, you’re invested, and the moment matters.
Here’s the process we used.
1. Frame the Fear
Before we face the moment, we must frame it. Ask yourself two simple, but transformative, questions:
• What’s the worst-case scenario?
Get comfortable with the worst case. Own it. Fear loses power when we name it.
• What’s the cost of inaction?
What do I stand to lose if I don’t try, if I remain frozen?
Clarity breeds courage. And fear, when brought into the light, becomes fuel.
2. Let Go of What You Can’t Control
List all the variables you don’t own. Things like:
• The weather.
• The crowd.
• The opponent’s game plan.
Now release these variables Refuse to spend energy on what you can’t influence. Your clarity and confidence live in the space that you do control.
3. Recognize What Got You Here
Pause and reflect on the journey. Write down your previous wins — the projects completed, the goals achieved, the battles fought and won.
• You didn’t arrive here by accident.
• You were chosen.
• You have what it takes to succeed.
Let your past speak to your present. Confidence grows when we remember our history.
4. Prepare — Practice — Rehearse — Repeat…then BREAK
There’s no substitute for reps. But there’s also no honor in burnout.
• Preparation leads to peace.
• Reps remove doubt.
• Breaks restore clarity.
Build in rhythms of intensity and recovery. Watch film. Script your meetings. Role-play the pitch. Then go for a walk, hit the gym, and…watch Netflix — or anything else that lets your mind rest.
5. Know Your “Tells”…then BREATHE
The sweaty palms. The shallow breath. The racing heart. These aren’t signs of panic — they’re signs of readiness.
• Your body is getting you ready to perform.
• Don’t fight your tells — welcome them.
• You don’t need to be “calm.” You just need to be calm enough.
Breathe. Center yourself. Trust your preparation (remind yourself of #4).
6. Make a Mantra — It Matters
What’s your personal theme — a word, phrase, verse, or motto that reminds you of who you are and what you want to embody?
Your mantra becomes your anchor in pressure moments.
“Who dares wins!”
“Fear sharpens the sword.”
“Fortune favors the bold.”
“Faith over fear!”
“Be the calm in the chaos.”
Repeat your mantra until it becomes part of your operating system. Let it reset your mindset before the moment begins.
This Isn’t Just Game-Day Wisdom — It’s Everyday Leadership
Whether you’re calling plays on 3rd down and 7, leading a boardroom meeting, or parenting through a tough conversation — fear and hard will always be part of the equation.
The goal isn’t to eliminate fear.
The goal is to lead in spite of fear.
In 1980, the U.S. launched Operation Eagle Claw , a daring rescue attempt to free 53 American hostages held in Iran. This was the first major mission undertaken by Delta Force, a newly formed elite unit modeled after the British SAS.
Mechanical failures, weather, and tragic missteps caused the mission to fail before it reached its objective. Eight American servicemen were killed, and the headlines the following day painted the operation as a disaster.
The British SAS, who shared an airfield with Delta at the time, sent a one-line telegram:
“At least you had the guts to try.”
Over time, “The Guts to Try” became an unofficial motto of Delta Force, reflecting its ethos of boldness, initiative, and moral clarity under fire.
Success isn’t always defined by the scoreboard. Sometimes, it’s defined by the courage to act when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
The greatest things in life are found on the other side of fear and hard.
So take a breath.
Do the work.
And when your moment comes —
Have the guts to try.
The Guts to Try was originally published in Horizon Performance on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
