Ripples of I – Blog 110: Under pressure or in front of it?

Every Wednesday, I share one article made up of three little ripples: 

Have you ever walked into a moment knowing everyone expected you to succeed? 

Have you ever wondered why pressure shows up exactly when you care the most? 

One Inspiration 

The Olympic Winter Games are in full swing, and I’ve been enjoying so many incredible performances, exciting moments, and the inspiring stories of the athletes. 

One theme that seems to be growing stronger this year is that the Olympics are unlike any other competition. It’s not just about technical skill or preparation, it is also about the pressure from sponsors, the media, the fans and an entire country that can easily become overwhelming and interfere with performance. 

A tough example of this is Ilia Malinin, the Quad God. Ilia was the heavy favorite to win gold in the men’s individual figure skating event. He entered the competition with pre-event odds of -10000 (an implied probability of 99% at some sportsbooks). However, he struggled throughout his free skate last Friday, ultimately finishing eighth. 

Afterward, he spoke openly about the pressure heading into the Games: 

“Yeah, honestly, it’s not a pleasant feeling. The most honest way to say it is just a lot on you - so many eyes, so much attention, not only from people or fans, but the media. It’s just so much, and it really can get to you if you’re not ready to fully embrace it.” 

One Insight 

In the book Train (Your Brain) Like an Olympian, Jean François Ménard introduces two types of pressure: 

• The first is pressure that comes from above. It feels heavy. It sits on your shoulders. It whispers doubts. It amplifies mistakes. When something small goes wrong it feeds the inner turmoil and can quickly spiral into something bigger. 

• The second is pressure that comes from behind. This kind of pressure pushes you forward. It fuels you. It reminds you that you are here for a reason. It feels more like energy and excitement than weight. 

  
  

Same situation. Same expectations. Different interpretation.  

One Invite 

Pressure is often a sign that you care deeply and that you’ve done something right to even be in that position. 

Feeling nervous before a big moment doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means the moment matters. It means your preparation and past successes have placed you somewhere meaningful.

What if pressure isn’t a threat, but a signal? A signal that you are exactly where you’re meant to be. 

So this week, I invite you to listen closely to your inner voice: 

When you catch yourself saying “I feel nervous,” gently shift it to “I feel excited.” 

When you think “I have to do this,” try “I get to do this.” 

You don’t need to eliminate the pressure. Just change how you carry it. 

And when it shows up, don’t fight it. Let it move you forward.