Has it been a stressful day for you? If the answer is “yes” – you’re not alone. 

According to a survey commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation, nearly half of young people struggle to cope with body image pressure.

Meanwhile, a 2023 poll conducted by Capital One’s CreditWise found that 73% of Americans consider their finances to be the most stressful aspect of their lives.

Well, there’s no running from pressure these days, right? 

Since we can’t evade it, the only thing we can do is to embrace it. In fact, how we respond to a crisis can have a tremendous impact on the outcome and our pressure-coping skill moving forward. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.

There are people who can remain poised and focused despite the pressures of a deadline or the intensity of a high-stakes situation.

In this article, we’re diving into the nine common traits that people who always stay calm under pressure typically possess.

Let’s find out what sets them apart.

1) They’re self-aware

Ever wondered why high-stake poker players can stay so poker-faced under immense stress?

Let me tell you: the key is self-awareness. 

“Every poker hand is a battle in the greater tournament or cash game war between us and our opponents,” says Dr. Patricia Cardner, a dedicated poker player and a psychologist.

“To achieve a high level of performance and ultimately success, we must be keenly aware of our own thought processes, our Achilles heels, as well as our strengths and limitations.”

Self-awareness is all about understanding your own emotions and how they impact your actions. It’s about knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and triggers.

People who are self-aware can identify when they’re starting to feel stressed or overwhelmed. They recognize the signs and can take steps to manage their stress before it spirals out of control.

2) They practice mindfulness

Mindfulness can help you see your problems differently and influence the way you deal with them. I can attest to this on a personal note.

I remember being in a high-stress situation at work a few years back. The project I was leading had hit several roadblocks, and the deadline was fast approaching. Everyone was looking at me for solutions and the pressure was immense.

But instead of panicking, I took a moment to practice mindfulness. I stepped away from the chaos, took some deep breaths, and focused on the present moment.  

This simple act of mindfulness allowed me to calm my racing thoughts and approach the problem more logically and creatively. The panic subsided, and I was able to lead my team towards a solution.

Speaking from personal experience, I can say that practicing mindfulness is an incredibly effective tool for staying calm under pressure. It helps you to stay grounded in the present moment and prevents you from getting swept up in stress or anxiety.

3) They maintain a positive outlook

I’ve never met anyone who manages to stay as cool as a cucumber without maintaining a positive outlook.

Positive people tend to see challenges as opportunities rather than threats, which can significantly reduce stress levels.

Interestingly, research has shown that positivity isn’t just about feeling good, it’s also associated with better health outcomes.

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that positive people were less likely to develop heart disease than their more pessimistic counterparts.

This optimistic attitude helps these individuals to stay calm and composed under pressure. They don’t let negativity cloud their judgment or decision-making process. Instead, they focus on the positive aspects of the situation and possible solutions, which helps to keep their stress levels in check.

4) They practice patience

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to staying calm under pressure. Do you know why?

It’s because rushing things can slow you down more than slowing down ever does. Lack of patience, most of the time, leads to unnecessary mistakes. 

People who thrive on pressure are usually patient with themselves and others. They understand that things take time and that it’s okay to slow down. They don’t let the pressure push them into hasty decisions or actions.

Instead, they take the time to think things through, to weigh their options, and to make informed decisions. They give themselves the space to breathe, even when the pressure is high.

5) They prioritize self-care

Do you know that some of the world’s most successful people are devoted practitioners of yoga?

The movers and shakers of their fields, like football player Lionel Messi, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and LinkedIn’s CEO Jeff Weiner, are all yoga enthusiasts. No matter how busy they are, they set aside time each day to work on their physical and mental fitness.

Do they cope well with pressure? If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be where they are today, right? 

The moral of the story is: People who remain calm under pressure don’t just accidentally stumble upon that state of mind. It’s often a result of prioritizing self-care.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about eating well, getting enough sleep, staying active, and taking time to relax and recharge.

6) They cultivate strong relationships

Believe it or not, the relationships we build play a significant role in how we handle pressure.

People who stay calm under pressure often have a strong network of supportive relationships. These are individuals they can turn to for advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear when things get tough.

These relationships provide a sense of belonging and security, helping to buffer against stress. Knowing that you’re not alone, that there are people who care about you and your wellbeing, can make a huge difference in how you handle pressure.

In the face of challenges, expert pressure copers draw strength from their connections with others. Their supportive network serves as a safety net, providing comfort and reassurance when the pressure mounts. 

7) They’re not afraid to ask for help

Asking for help can be a daunting task, especially when you’re under pressure. But those who stay calm in stressful situations understand the importance of seeking assistance. Let me explain.

A few years back, I was working on a project that was particularly challenging. The deadline was looming, and I was struggling to find a solution to a complex problem. The pressure was mounting and it felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Then, I decided to reach out and ask for help. My colleagues were more than willing to offer their insights and we worked together to overcome the challenge.

By simply asking for help, the pressure eased and I was able to navigate through the situation calmly.

It’s important to remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an acknowledgment that we’re human, and that we can’t do everything on our own. And sometimes, it’s this realization that allows us to remain calm under pressure.

8) They embrace change

People who excel in handling pressure will be the first to admit that resisting changes often paves the express lane to Stressville.

Think about it: It’s like trying to swim against the current – exhausting, stressful, and not particularly effective. 

Life is full of twists, turns, and unexpected curveballs, and being open to change allows us to adapt more flexibly. Instead of resisting the inevitable shifts, adaptable people are more likely to roll with the punches and find creative solutions.

Flexibility and adaptability are the key strengths for those who thrive under pressure, making them better equipped to face the dynamic nature of life’s challenges.

9) They have a strong sense of purpose

Above all, the people who stay calm under pressure have a clear sense of purpose. It helps them to not lose sight of what truly matters.

They know why they’re doing what they’re doing, and this understanding helps them navigate through pressure with grace and resilience.

A strong sense of purpose offers a sense of perspective, reminding them that the pressure they’re facing is just a small part of their larger journey. 

This sense of purpose fuels their determination and resilience, enabling them to stay calm and focused on their goals, regardless of the pressures they face. It’s their secret weapon in handling pressure with poise and serenity.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

All things considered, the ability to stay calm under pressure is not something that happens overnight. It’s a journey, a process of learning and growth.

Each of the nine traits we’ve discussed here plays a crucial role in this process. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, maintaining a positive outlook, embracing change, or having a strong sense of purpose, these traits provide a roadmap to staying calm under pressure.

Keep in mind that it’s not just about the destination but also about the journey. The challenges you face along the way are opportunities for growth and learning. They’re stepping stones to becoming that calm, composed person you aspire to be.