In conversations about self-improvement, the phrase “grace under pressure” is often used. Sometimes I feel like this can be a placeholder phrase that doesn't carry a lot of meaning. I've never heard the phrase “grace under pressure” and known what it meant or how I should apply it to my life. The only way I have really come to understand this concept is by example.

I have been blessed with a few strong women in my life that know and practice the meaning of grace under pressure. These women all have challenging jobs and demanding lifestyles, but they all also maintain an amount of composure and “put togetherness” that is nothing short of impressive.

As we as a society continuously increase our expectations, the mastering of grace under pressure will set aside those who go above and beyond. We are all being asked to do more and more and to over perform. Those of us who can learn how to manage all of the pressure and still put our best foot forward will be the ones that come out on top.

Learning grace under pressure is not easy, and it takes a lot of time to perfect. The earlier you start learning how to manage your stress levels and put your best foot forward, the better. Life only becomes more challenging and complicated as you grow up. Working on this problem as someone in high school or college will allow you a leg up in getting ahead of the challenge.

Look to those people in your life that seem to have everything figured out. Why are they able to do that? For some, it's their faith. They are able to manage their stress through faith and trust in a higher being. For others, it’s organization. It could also be exercise or meditation. If you look at these people in your life, you will learn that each one has a method of coping with the pressure and remaining calm and composed during the hard times.

No one is ever going to appear calm and collected at all times, but learning how to control your emotions and manage your stress levels early on can put you a step ahead in practicing grace under pressure throughout your life. Even if this grace does nothing for you in terms of personal success, you will still feel better than the stressed out, anxious people around you.

-          Bria