Being dealt a hand that appears empty might seem a glib metaphor for a moment with such huge geopolitical impact. But I’m always looking for small ways to “use the difficulty’.

And in terms of how we show up in challenging moments, Poker is a useful frame because it’s a game where the calmest nervous system in the room can win, despite the paucity of their hand. The person who holds their ground, slows their breath, and refuses to react from a place of fear or attack. The one who despite not having the best cards, plays as if they do. 🤨

And when pressure hits in our own lives (where for most of us the stakes are not at a global level) there is a powerful shift we can make to ensure we influence a situation for good – moving matters on rather than blowing them up. Move from a mindset of scarcity—being shaken off centre by a feeling of a lack of control, influence, or options—to one where you have control of your own responses and you can restabilise your own nervous system and that of others in seconds. The result is a mindset of openness to possibility rather than threat. 🧬🧠

How do you put this into action so you can find your grace under pressure? It’s a lot about preparation. My friend Michael Parker has written a great book on this.

Here are my personal go tos:

♦ Turn off any devices. Take a break from the noise and ground yourself in the moment.

♦ Open out your peripheral vision – it resets your nervous system. You can zoom your eyes out to the horizon and then back to a point close to you to help this reset;

♦ Slow your breath right down.

♦ Get into your body – the mind’s off switch. Notice where you are, plant your feet, feel the ground beneath you.

No cards? Maybe. But maybe the best players don’t need them. In your own high stakes moments it’s those that are composed, that regulate their breath, and refuse to let fear dictate their moves that often come out ahead. 

My confidence booster audio course is the perfect pre-meeting boost—tap into a little beginner’s luck to get a full house in confidence terms at least right away!

Free Confidence Booster Audio Course 🎧

Or there’s a whole chapter in Find Your Voice on audible called “Calm Centre” which shows you exactly how to find your inner calm when you most need it and least feel like it. Free at the moment with a membership trial.

All my best,

Caroline. x