Thread by @stevemagness

This generation of performers has it harder than any previous one when it comes to pressure & expectations

We live in a global world, where you are constantly judged, and can't really escape it

Decades ago, you go home to your family & got to occupy an oblivious world for a bit

There was a barrier between you and others. At worst, you just had to avoid the paper and the evening news.

Now, it's nearly impossible to have a place and space where you can turn it off.

Humans were meant to deal with local status hierarchies, not global ones.

This doesn't just apply to world-class performers. It applies to the kid down the street at the local middle school.

She used to measure up against his classmates, now it's against the youtube, tiktokker, whoever across the globe.

And she receives constant reminders.

Point being: messages of just "toughen up", or "the problem with society is everyone receives a trophy" are so far off base and disconnected with our current reality.

The world is completely different than a few decades ago. Pressures, expectations, judgment: all different.

If you are performing at the highest level, you have to be very intentional about making sure you have the support in place to handle the crazy world we live in.

That means developing::
-Strong support network
-A secure but flexible sense of self
-Diversity in your sources of meaning joy, & fulfillment
-The space/routine to turn off
-Cultivating the ability to let go
-Emotional flexibility to cope, adapt & change.
-Control over your story