The Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief. . .Performing Under Pressure: What Penalty Shootouts Teach Us About Life
“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.”-Frank Zappa
Welcome (back) to the Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief! Each week, I share insights and practical strategies to help us cultivate well-being and thrive — both personally and professionally. Live well! Lawyer well!
This week we are looking at Pressure…Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout, by Geir Jordet. Learn more about Geir Jodet here, https://www.geirjordet.com/
What is the book about?
Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout explores the mental and emotional dynamics of one of the most intense moments in sports: the penalty shootout. Drawing from years of research in sports psychology and real-world data from elite soccer players, Jordet reveals how athletes prepare for, respond to, and recover from pressure. The book goes beyond soccer to offer practical insights into how anyone — including us— can train our minds to stay composed, confident, and effective when the stakes are highest.
What can we learn from the book?
1. Pressure Exposes Preparation
One of Jordet’s most important insights is that pressure doesn’t create weaknesses — it exposes them. Penalty shootouts magnify flaws in preparation, mindset, and emotional regulation. The same is true in life. Whether we’re preparing for a big meeting, a presentation, or a personal challenge, pressure reveals the work — or lack thereof — we have put in ahead of time.
“You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall to your level of preparation.” — Archilochus
Takeaway: Rehearse for the real thing. Simulate pressure. Reflect on how we respond, not just when it’s easy, but when the stakes are high.
2. Body Language Matters
In his research, Jordet found that confident body language — even if faked — significantly improved a player’s success. Quick approach, upright posture, minimal hesitation — these cues don’t just influence your opponent; they reinforce our own belief.
The same applies in any pressure moment. Your posture, tone, and pace all send signals — to others and to yourself. If you want to feel more confident, start by acting more confident.
Takeaway: We should lead with our body. Confidence isn’t just a feeling — it’s a behavior.
3. Time Is a Tool, Not a Trap
Hesitation kills. Jordet discovered that players who took longer between the referee’s whistle and their kick were more likely to miss. Why? Overthinking. Self-doubt. Paralysis by analysis.
The lesson? We should trust your training. When the moment comes, act decisively.
Takeaway: When the pressure peaks, don’t overthink. Breathe, focus, act.
4. Failure Isn’t a Character Flaw
Even the best miss. Jordet’s research reminds us that high-pressure failure is not always a sign of weakness, but often just the reality of human limits. What matters is what happens next — how players respond after the miss.
In life, we tend to personalize our failures. But pressure doesn’t define us — our response does.
Takeaway: We’re more than the outcome. Learn. Adjust. Try again.
5. We Can Train for Pressure
Most people think “clutch” is something we’re born with. Jordet disagrees. He argues that handling pressure is a skill — one that can be trained, refined, and mastered. Elite performers simulate pressure, visualize stress scenarios, and practice responding with composure.
Whether you’re an athlete, artist, entrepreneur, or parent, this principle holds: resilience isn’t luck — it’s learned.
Takeaway: Don’t just train the skill. Train the moment. Prepare for pressure.
Closing Thoughts
We all face “penalty shootout” moments — those times when the spotlight is on, the stakes are high, and our heart is pounding. What Pressure teaches us is that greatness isn’t just about talent; it’s about preparation, poise, and presence when it matters most.
So when life hands you the ball and points to the goal, remember: pressure isn’t the enemy. It’s the proving ground.
Forward Always!
