Imagine a time when you are facing important tasks.
Many people may have experienced that they could not perform to the best of their ability, because of the pressure.
Actually, pressure is not always bad.
Some amount of pressure can help with the focusing of one’s attention. Feeling more pressure towards performing an important action, means that the human body naturally becomes ready for intense concentration.
Speaking for myself, when I was very young, it was easy to respond to pressure by getting nervous, and this nervousness was very stressful for me.
Even now, after 20 years of a career as an instructor, I still feel pressure. For example, before teaching the first day at the Dodgers team, or just before showing up at the NHK live broadcast, I felt a huge pressure.
I had an experience a few years ago, when I did not feel any pressure before a seminar, even though the gathering was a large Medical Congress.
I was too arrogant and I thought, “I have finally learned this calmness!” And then, right after I stood on the platform, I went blank and could not remember what to talk about.
I had never experienced something like this before. Fortunately, I was able to get back to my own self, and just managed to complete the workshop.
When I think back on this, I got completely used to teaching big seminars in those days, and forgot to focus on each audience. Because of this, I could not get to the necessary condition of pressure.
Unfortunately, I forgot the basic fact that each seminar is different, with distinctive changes, and new encounters. From that day onward, I always feel the pressure helpfully no matter how small the group is or how familiar I am with the members.
On the other hand, there are some people who become really tense because of pressure. In this case the pressure works negatively, because they perceive pressure in a wrong way.
The worst way is to lie to oneself like, “I am not wound up,” even though they feel pressure. If people try to ignore the pressure, they will chase after calmness endlessly.
It is important to welcome the pressure, allow it to be a part of oneself and accept it, and welcome it!
Sometimes, giving voice about your pressure can be a great help. This doesn’t mean saying negative things, but it can be a great help in recognizing one’s situation calmly.
Instantly after accepting the pressure, mind and body will adapt/adjust. I suggest, “Become one with the pressure.” If we can do this, then the pressure itself increases our concentration, and we will be able to perform at our highest level.
When people can calm the mind and face reality, even though it may be at a crucial stage, they can adapt/adjust.
In Japan, in April, there are many people who are starting in new work surroundings. I know there is a lot of pressure, but please remember my advice and try to accustom yourself. This is an important training in life.