In business, in relationships, with your wealth and your health – there are moments when it feels like stepping onto the mound in the 11th inning. Bases loaded. Zero room for error. It all rests on your shoulders.

You didn’t create the situation. You might not feel ready. But, here you are – with everything on the line.

The easy thing? Walk away. The hard thing? Step up, take a breath, trust that you CAN handle the pressure and deliver.

If that sounds relatable, it’s because it mirrors the daily reality for many moms. Whether it’s managing a household, juggling a career or navigating the emotional terrain of raising children, moms face their 11th-inning moments more often than recognized. Just as a seasoned athlete, we rise to the challenge with grace, grit and an uncanny ability to deliver under pressure.

I have seen this also play out with high-level leaders in business time and time again. The market shifts, a deal doesn’t go as planned or relationships get strained. Those who succeed are the ones who lean into the pressure instead of retreating; refraining from being reactive and empowering mindset to handle the situation. 

Recently, I witnessed this same dynamic play out in a much more personal arena – on the baseball field with my son.

He found himself in the 11th-inning scenario. Everything was on the line. As I sat in the stands with a pounding heart, I watched him take a deep breath, trust his preparation and deliver. As a mom, I felt every bit of the pressure with him. But, there was power in his demeanor, in his deep breath and confidence. This moment served as a powerful reminder that moms face these high stake situations every day. And, just like my son did in that 11th inning, we find a way to rise to the challenge.

Whether it’s calming a screaming toddler while finishing a work project or navigating a family while staying on top of everyday responsibilities, moms possess a unique superpower to handle stress with flexibility and strength.

So, what separates those who thrive under pressure from those who buckle? In my work, coaching high level executives, I’ve found three common traits that enable people to succeed in their 11th-inning moments:

1. They stay calm when others panic. When everything feels like it’s falling apart, the best performers don’t let the chaos dictate their response. They tap into their mindpower and mental resilience. Moms master this early. 
2. They focus on what’s within their control. There will always be factors outside our influence, but successful people focus their energy on what they can control. For moms, that means choosing how they respond to unexpected challenges, staying present and modeling resilience for their children.
3. They trust their preparation and take bold action. Success under pressure isn’t about luck – it’s about preparation. Moms know this instinctively. They plan ahead, anticipate needs and, when the moment arrives, they take action with confidence and courage.

To summarize one secret to thriving under pressure, it’s this – invest in self awareness.

Moms, leaders, executives and athletes who understand their strengths and limits can navigate stressful situations more effectively. This awareness helps them:

• Recognize when to push forward and when to step back.
• Set healthy boundaries to protect their time and energy.
• Model emotional intelligence for their families.

When you invest in knowing yourself, you increase your ability to handle whatever life throws your way. And, let’s face it, most moms are already rockin’ this!

So, if you find yourself in an 11th-inning moment right now, remember:

The game isn’t over. And YOU might be the one who changes everything.

Take a breath. Trust yourself. Step up. You’ve got this.