Have you ever noticed that some people seem to always remain calm under pressure?
Some managers, some quarterbacks…while others seem to constantly be scrambling for something to say or to avoid the rush?
What we do know is that we tend to make poor decisions when we are unable to manage pressure. As both an NNP recruiter and a somatic coach I often teach my clients the following technique to help manage themselves under pressure, not just the interview, but also driving, confrontations at home or the office – many of the interactions we face each day.
This strategy is useful in any stressful situation:
Basic Practice: Four-Part Centering
First, imagine something that irritated you within the past 24 hours (a low-grade stressor). Remember how it upset you, caused you to clinch? Maybe someone cut you off on the freeway, the kids wouldn’t listen and get ready for school this morning…
Now:
Basic Practice, also referred to as Four-Part Centering, is a way to bring our attention back to one’s self. It gives a self to come back to. The four parts are:
1. Breath: Exhale down into the earth, inhale up lengthening the spine
2. Balance energy: Visualize an equal amount of space in front, back, left, right, above, and below you. [continue to breathe]
3. Gravity: Allow gravity to soften the jaw and shoulders – allowing yourself to experience gravity throughout your body.[continue to breathe]
4. Add a Quality: What if there was a little more…? (i.e. compassion, forgiveness, focus, or brightness…). All while you maintain an upright posture.
Now think about that low-grade stressor – do you experience it the same way? Has anything changed?
I recommend that you practice 10 – 50 times a day, as practice leads to habit. Once you know the streamline version you will find yourself doing this consistently. The shortcut version is called the lizard push-ups (yes use your imagination). You will find that you can use the lizard push-ups while in the interview or in the face of confrontation.
