Pressure Is A Privilege
I’m obsessed with this quote by tennis legend and activist Billie Jean King.
“Pressure is a privilege.”
I came across this on the Netflix series BreakPoint. The quote hangs on the wall in Arthur Ashe Stadium before players head onto the main court.
It acts as a reminder that the ability to play at that level is an honor.
We may not be professional tennis players, but we all have the opportunity to walk into our metaphorical arena.
And in our quest, pressure is a privilege.
Our first inclination is to lessen pressure—we don’t like being uncomfortable!
Yet, when we think about the times we feel pressure, it’s because we have an opportunity.
Whether a presentation, project, or performance, pressure means we are putting ourselves out there for the change we seek to make.
Pressure is synonymous with responsibility.
Like the responsibility one may feel after having their first child. There is pressure to pay the bills and provide for their family. What if we saw this as a privilege?
As the saying goes, no pressure, no diamonds.
We need friction in our lives to create the conditions required for growth.
The US has a reputation for being overly focused on productivity, yet it’s also a culture that attempts to manufacture comfort and convenience above all else.
As often, when the pendulum swings too far, it creates an opposing force.
We’re seeing this happen where rest is becoming a self-care trend.
There are many positives about encouraging rest, yet we must be careful it doesn’t swing too far.
I just learned of this concept of “Bed Rotting,” where you stay in bed all day, doing whatever you’d like.
We should think twice about engaging in anything with “rotting” in the title.
Adyashanti says comfort tends to lower our consciousness.
Yes, let’s relax and take a day off, but we must realize we have an opportunity to put our hearts into something.
Countless people are bedridden with health concerns that would give anything to get up and live a purposeful life.
Doing something challenging creates a sense of aliveness—that’s what we're longing for.
We crave the feeling of being awake.
Don’t let your potential rot.
You have an opportunity to be the generative, creative force you were put on this earth to be.
Seek your metaphorical arena, and put yourself in the game.
Go slow, but be intentional. You don’t want too much pressure that your nervous system shuts down. But it takes going to the edge to know where it is.
You are capable of more than you think.
May you embrace your life and pressure.
I’m rooting for you!
—
(I know there are counter-arguments where pressure is not a privilege. I also understand that there is a sensitivity to one’s traumas and backgrounds, where pressure may feel life-threatening.)
How I can help you when you're ready.
Work with me 1-1 as your coach to help you expand your potential and live all that life has in store for you.
More info on coaching. Book a free 30-minute call to see if we align.