How to see pressure as a challenge, not a threat

Playing sport is fun. But we can get nervous about sport. Many people competing in sports feel nerves and pressure because doing their best is important to them. Feeling pressure is not automatically bad. If you see pressure as a positive challenge, it can help you do your best. However, seeing pressure as a negative threat can stop you from doing your best. Why? When you see pressure as something positive (a challenge), you believe in your abilities, feel in control of your situation, and are focused on facing the situation head-on. When you see pressure as a challenge, you feel nerves, but you know that these help you do your best. This helps your body respond in a helpful way. How can you make sure you see pressure as a challenge? One way is using psychological techniques to help you to face pressure head-on with self-belief, control, and excitement.