By Paddy Upton
Why do some people succeed more often than others? We know it’s seldom about sheer talent alone. In my time working with elite performers across sports and business, there are some common factors that keep coming up.
These four stand out.
Successful people prepare excellently. They don’t skim through the syllabus; they study the entire book for the ‘exam’. They also have a clear plan—yet they hold onto it loosely, ready to adapt as needed. They can stay focused despite noises of distraction that surround them, and perhaps the most overlooked factor: they have luck on their side. And yes, preparation can create luck, but let’s be honest—sometimes, the team that wins the final just happens to get the right bounce of the ball.
Success isn’t only about these ingredients. It’s also about knowing how to navigate high-pressure moments. Many people prepare well, have a great strategy, and focus deeply—until the pressure kicks in. Then, doubt, insecurity and nerves creep in. The mind starts racing. They get caught up in the result that’s at stake rather than the next action in front of them.
The difference between those who succeed more often and the rest often comes down to how they manage themselves in that moment.
So, how do you own the moment when the stakes are high? Here’s a simple 10-second hack I often share with athletes facing make-or-break situations:
1. The Physiological Sigh – Take a fast but deep in-breath through your nose, follow it immediately with another short sharp in-breath (more of a sniff), followed by a slow exhale through your mouth. This instantly signals your nervous system to relax.
2. Smile – It might sound strange, but smiling let’s your brain know that things are okay, which instantly reduces stress.
3. Look Up and Scan the Horizon – When we’re stressed, we tend to narrow our focus—literally. By lifting your gaze and scanning your surroundings, you send another signal to your brain: I’m safe. Everything’s under control.
4. Lean Into It – “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” The final step is to embrace the moment, trusting your preparation, your plan, and your instincts. And then take action, Just Do It.
5. A bonus hack is to chew chewing gum, especially if you consciously chew slowly. Again, this sends a signal to the brain and body that things are ok.
The pressure event is not what undermines people; it’s the mental distraction associated with it that does. Those who tend to succeed more often succeed aren’t necessarily the most talented, they are the ones who prepare excellently, stay adaptable, manage their focus on the task at hand and in the present moment, and—when the moment comes—breathe, smile, and lean in.
The difference is not fearlessness, or perfection, but an ability to navigate uncertainty without being overwhelmed by it. The best don’t let pressure undermine them. They see it as a challenge to maintain focus and deliver their best.
