Every Day is Game Day

R emember that sensation when you woke up in the morning knowing that later that day you would be playing in a competitive event? Or maybe you woke up anticipating a performance. How about the day that you had the interview of your life? Can you remember those feelings? The nervous energy associated with being called to perform. The pressure of judgment, outcome, results. What did you do to prepare? How did you cope with the stress and pressure?

As a parent with children who have competed and performed, I long ago began identifying with their events, their pressures. It is a different sensation, perhaps a little more nerve wracking considering how little control I have. However, I’ve realized that, other than slight adjustments in attitude and perspective, things haven’t really changed for me. I still identify with that edge; a place in which I can really feel the tension. A place where failure waits…as does success.

The truth is that most of us work to avoid the pressure. We avoid direct competition, places where we might fail, or situations in which we might lose. It is easy to find comfort in patterns and habits. The comfort can camouflage many anxiety inducing activities simply because we want to avoid anxiety and pressure. “Winning” becomes getting by or surviving simply because the marathon never ends.

The reality is that every day is game day. We wake up with the opportunity to perform. We may view it as simply another day of patterns and habits but even those give us the chance to make an impact. How are you preparing for your game day? Do you eat the right things? Get enough sleep? Train properly? It is easy and comfortable to avoid the notion of a “game day”. Who wants the pressure? The truth is that embracing these moments puts a spring in your step. Being prepared to jump in and make things happen makes life a lot more interesting. “Leaning-in” to the stress and anxiety determined to overcome, to win, is exhilarating.

Today, consider how you will perform. Game day requires us to be our best, to execute at the highest level. Rather than easing into the comfortable path worn by walking safely among known terrain, push yourself onto the field and experience the bright lights of pressure and anticipation. Challenge yourself to win in whatever way has meaning for you. Embrace the tension and know you’ve still got it – the power to be the star of your own performance. Remind yourself that every day is game day.

Click below to further explore game day in your own life: