When the stakes are high — in a big game, or at a high-level team tryout — how will you deal with pressure?

“Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail.” –Benjamin Franklin

As a youth competitor, I always drew inspiration and guidance from John Wooden‘s coaching. He drove home the idea that preparation is the most important thing, and that if you did your best to prepare for competition, you’ve achieved your ultimate goal. This was the basis for something he called “True Success.”

“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” –John Wooden.

So back to the original question: “When the stakes are high — in a big game, or at a high-level team tryout — how will you deal with pressure?”

You’ll have dealt with it long before game day, or tryout day. If you’ve trained hard, and smart, you’ll have dealt with it by putting your time in on the ice and in the gym.

Preparation breeds confidence.