Penalty shootouts—they’re the ultimate test. You’re standing there, 12 yards out, with a goalkeeper ready to dive, and the weight of the fans’ hopes pressing down. Premier League players like Marcus Rashford or Mohamed Salah have faced that heat, and yet they’ve delivered. Their secret? Preparation.
In high-pressure moments, whether on the pitch or in the office, preparation to succeed can’t be skipped. Penalty takers practice endlessly, studying keepers and fine-tuning their technique. Entrepreneurs should do the same. Got a big pitch? Know your audience. If you need some tips on how to sharpen your focus under pressure, this NHS guide to stress management is a great starting point.
Stay Calm, Even When the Crowd’s Loud
Penalty takers have one job: stay calm. Bruno Fernandes, for example, has perfected his “hop-skip” penalty routine—a risky but effective move that requires ice-cold composure. Business leaders can take a page out of his playbook: even when things get noisy, stay laser-focused on your goal.
Distractions are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail you. Whether it’s dealing with an angry client or navigating a chaotic team meeting, focus wins. Curious how professional athletes train for mental toughness? This article on sports psychology dives deep into strategies for staying composed under pressure.
When You Miss, You Move On
Even legends miss penalties sometimes. Remember Bukayo Saka’s tough miss in the Euros? Painful as it was, he bounced back, scoring vital goals for Arsenal last season. Resilience is everything—on the pitch and in the world of business.
Mistakes aren’t the end; they’re just stepping stones. Whether you’re launching a product that flops or botching a client presentation, learn from it and keep going. If Saka can brush himself off and become a fan favorite again, you can recover from your setbacks too. Here’s a great read on embracing failure to inspire your next steps.
Final Whistle
Handling pressure takes preparation, focus, and resilience—three qualities Premier League stars like Salah, Fernandes, and Saka exemplify every week. The same principles apply to business. So next time you’re under the spotlight, remember: you’ve got this. And who knows? Maybe, like a perfectly taken penalty, you’ll hit the back of the net too.
