It's a peculiar paradox: you’re in peak condition, yet you must remain on standby, waiting for your moment to shine. This waiting game is not merely a pause; it’s a test of resilience and mental fortitude. There are two fundamental challenges that athletes face during this excruciating waiting period:

1. Managing Energy: How do you fill your days without burning out before the big event?
2. Managing Confidence: How do you sustain your belief in yourself when stress and doubt loom large?

You’ve spent years training, each session meticulously designed to bring you to the pinnacle of your abilities. Yet now, your days consist of brief workouts and endless hours of anticipation. The mind, with its natural propensity for overthinking, becomes a fertile ground for anxiety. You question everything, from your physical sensations to your preparation, as you grapple with the weight of an imminent, life-altering competition.

The problem is not just about managing stimulation; it’s about finding the right balance. Too much mental engagement can lead to burnout, while boredom can drain your energy and focus.

It’s crucial to find a delicate equilibrium in managing your precious energy through meticulous planning: practice, play, social engagement, solitude, and rest.

Athletes often seek external validation, a sign that they are indeed ready to deliver their best. However, when things feel slightly off, stress escalates, and doubts creep in, challenging the very foundation of their preparation.

The urge to do something extra can be overwhelming, but it’s important to resist and accept that what has been done is just enough for now.

It’s entirely normal to feel a bit unsettled during this phase. Peak performance is still to come. The hard work, long hours, and sacrifices are done. There’s nothing more to question. After the competition, there will be lessons learned and adjustments to be made, but for now, everything is as it should be. (Here’s an article about the unforgettable lessons I learned at my Olympic Games.)

Athletes who master this waiting period and navigate the mental labyrinth of anticipation are often the ones who rise to the occasion when the time comes.

• You’ve put in the work, and the journey has led you here. Love the challenge—it is a privilege you have earned.
• Embrace the wait, for it is the final step in a process of excellence.
• There is no more to learn or do; simply execute what you have been training for and what your body already knows comfortably.
• When the time to perform comes, all the stress will recede, and you will find yourself in your favorite place, doing what you love most in this world naturally.

Showing up at the start line to do what you are meant to do and knowing how to do is the beauty of competition. It is the most alive you can feel, putting yourself at the edge of greatness.

By understanding and applying these principles, leaders can navigate the complexities of high-stakes situations and propel their teams to extraordinary success.

The Art of Waiting
Lessons from the Edge of Greatness

By Inga Stasiulionyte