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Playing Life on Offense: The Best Way to Handle Pressure Is to Apply It
Pressure is an inevitable part of life. Turn the tables. Whether it’s a looming deadline, an unexpected crisis, or the weight of high expectations, the natural instinct is often to retreat, shield yourself, and hope the storm passes. But what if you flipped the script? What if, instead of cowering under pressure, you applied it right back?
The truth is that handling pressure isn’t about survival—it’s about strategy. Playing the game of life on offense means meeting challenges head-on with proactive energy. It means taking control of the narrative instead of letting circumstances dictate your story.
The Power of Playing Offense
Playing on offense is a mindset. It’s about refusing to let external forces box you in. Instead of shrinking under pressure, you expand your efforts, push forward, and dictate the terms. This approach isn’t just empowering; it’s transformative.
Consider basketball legend Michael Jordan. In the 1997 NBA Finals, Jordan played through a grueling flu in what’s now known as “The Flu Game.” Weakened and visibly struggling, he could have chosen to play it safe, relying on his team to carry the load. Instead, he went on the offensive, scoring 38 points and leading the Chicago Bulls to victory. Jordan didn’t wait for the game to come to him—he seized control. His decision to apply pressure, even when it seemed impossible, turned what could have been a loss into one of the greatest performances in sports history.
The lesson? When life applies pressure, your response should be to press back with equal intensity.
Applying Pressure in Everyday Life
The principle of staying on offense isn’t confined to sports or high-stakes events. It applies to everyday life, from careers to relationships.
1. In the Workplace
Imagine you’re vying for a promotion in a competitive environment. Pressure mounts as deadlines loom and colleagues vie for the same position. Playing defense might look like staying in your lane, avoiding risks, and doing just enough to stay afloat. But playing offense? That’s leaning in—volunteering for tough projects, presenting bold ideas, and showcasing your value.
Take Elon Musk as an example. When faced with tight timelines and immense pressure during Tesla’s early days, he didn’t scale back. Instead, he doubled down, sleeping on the factory floor to ensure production goals were met. Musk’s ability to apply pressure—not just absorb it—helped Tesla thrive in an industry where most startups fail.
2. In Relationships
Pressure can also manifest in personal conflicts or strained relationships. Playing defense might involve avoidance or passive communication, hoping things will resolve themselves. Playing offense means initiating hard conversations, addressing issues directly, and demonstrating a commitment to growth.
Consider a couple on the brink of separation. Defensive behavior—like stonewalling or blame—often leads to further disconnect. On the other hand, proactive communication and mutual vulnerability can reignite trust and connection. By applying the pressure of honest engagement, they turn a potential breakup into a breakthrough.
3. In Personal Goals
When pursuing ambitious goals, pressure often comes in the form of self-doubt or external criticism. Playing on offense means using that pressure as fuel.
J.K. Rowling, for instance, faced rejection after rejection when shopping Harry Potter to publishers. The pressure to give up was immense, but instead of folding, she applied herself harder, refining her manuscript and persisting until a small publisher finally gave her a chance. The result? A global phenomenon that reshaped literature.
Why Offense Works
At its core, playing offense under pressure is about shifting the dynamics. Instead of being reactive, you become proactive. This shift does three powerful things:
- It Builds Momentum
Pressure often paralyzes. When you push forward, you create momentum that carries you through challenges. Action combats fear and builds confidence. - It Changes the Narrative
By taking charge, you move from being a victim of circumstances to being the architect of your outcomes. - It Reveals Your Strength
Pressure has a way of showing us what we’re truly capable of. When you apply pressure back, you tap into reserves of resilience and creativity you didn’t know existed.
How to Stay on Offense
To consistently play offense, you need a strategy. Here’s how to get started:
- Reframe Pressure as Opportunity
Instead of viewing pressure as a threat, see it as a chance to shine. Pressure means you’re in the game. - Take Immediate Action
When faced with a challenge, don’t wait. Make a decisive move, even if it’s a small one. Action begets action. - Stay Laser-Focused
Pressure can scatter your energy. Focus on what you can control and channel your efforts there. - Use Setbacks as Leverage
Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Analyze what went wrong and use it to refine your approach. - Adopt a Growth Mindset
Treat every challenge as a learning opportunity. Even when you don’t win, you gain valuable lessons for the future.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Life is not a game of defense. It’s not about avoiding losses but about creating wins. When you embrace an offensive mindset, you stop seeing pressure as an adversary and start seeing it as an ally.
So, the next time you feel life closing in, don’t retreat. Step forward. Push back. Apply the pressure. Push back harder. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal goals, the willingness to take the offensive is what sets achievers apart.
Remember, the game isn’t over until you decide it is. Play to win—and play like you’re always on offense.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
