Bill Russell, in Second Wind, defines pressure and performance.

For example:

- Brady coming back from 25 points down in the second half of the Super Bowl.

- Houston, we have a problem (Apollo 13).

- Sully Sullenberger landing in the Hudson River. 

The need is to really stay calm.

- Three Mile Island as opposed to Chornobyl.

- Bluffing in poker (vs. the “tell”).

- Is Mickey Mouse a dog or a cat?

- Police overreaction.

- The basketball player’s wink.

Keep perspective, the world isn’t watching. Most pressure is self-generated.

Think of Philippe Petit and the six feet.

Use some humor. It’s usually not fatal if you fail.

Puncture the pressure balloon.