{"id":8938,"date":"2018-08-01T18:33:27","date_gmt":"2018-08-01T18:33:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=8938"},"modified":"2025-06-09T04:51:48","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T08:51:48","slug":"how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Manage Pressure Like MVP James Harden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8940\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-to-Manage-Pressure-Like.jpg\" alt=\"How to Manage Pressure Like\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-to-Manage-Pressure-Like.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/How-to-Manage-Pressure-Like-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Control_Your_Focus\"><\/span>How to Control Your Focus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden\/#How_to_Control_Your_Focus\" >How to Control Your Focus<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden\/#Did_that_%E2%80%9Csatisfy%E2%80%9D_you_Or_were_you_unfulfilled\" >Did that &#8220;satisfy&#8221; you? Or, were you unfulfilled?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden\/#Preparation_is_all_about_controlling_what_you_can_control_including\" >Preparation is all about controlling what you can control including:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\" >Related Sports Psychology Articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden\/#The_Focused_Athlete\" >The Focused Athlete<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever been recognized for your individual talent or accomplishments?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Did_that_%E2%80%9Csatisfy%E2%80%9D_you_Or_were_you_unfulfilled\"><\/span>Did that &#8220;satisfy&#8221; you? Or, were you unfulfilled?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>James Harden was recognized as the NBA\u2019s MVP this past season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harden declared himself the best player in the league four years ago, and refused to back down until his doubters turned to believers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Harden held the Maurice Podoloff Trophy last month at the NBA Awards, he reflected on his development from sixth man to franchise fella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harden used the word &#8220;swag&#8221; to express his journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>He said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I don\u2019t know anybody else who did it. But that\u2019s just a testament to the guys out there that are coming off the bench and not getting much playing time. They could still be that guy.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Harden commented:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;It feels great, all the work that I put in, to be able to hold that trophy up. Obviously, the main goal is to be holding a championship up, but we\u2019re moving in the right direction. We\u2019re taking the right steps.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeling accomplished, Harden is proud of his recognition, mainly for his individual perseverance and hard work. However, he has quickly turned the page to the area of his career that remains unsatisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Harden expressed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I haven\u2019t even done nothing. That was a good feeling, but that feeling that I had in that Western Conference finals, with basically one half to go&#8230; I need that feeling back. I\u2019ll try to work my butt off, and mentally lock in as much as I can to get back to that feeling.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That &#8220;feeling&#8221; Harden talked about came in Game 6 and 7 against the Warriors, while they were up by double digits and competing for the Finals Series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His team was so close, and he wants the lively feeling that brought again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the Rockets close to the Finals and Harden winning MVP, it\u2019s likely the pressure could have built to perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Not from Harden\u2019s view though:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>&#8220;Pressure<\/strong> is when you\u2019re not prepared. When you\u2019re prepared, it\u2019s no pressure. Just go out there, execute and do what you know how to do.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;Being so close last season hurts, it doesn\u2019t add pressure. It\u2019s part of basketball. You get back in the gym in the summertime and work your butt off during the season to try and put yourself in that position again. Clearly, last year showed us we were right there. And we\u2019ll be right there next year as well.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Harden\u2019s efforts were recognized through the MVP award, he won\u2019t be satisfied until his team reaches a Championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harden is a true team player and leader; noticeably putting his team before himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He is also a <strong>consistent<\/strong> player, which is heavily impacted by his level of <strong>preparation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preparation_is_all_about_controlling_what_you_can_control_including\"><\/span>Preparation is all about controlling what you can control including:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Training and practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pregame routine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mindset or mental game<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fitness level and conditioning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work ethic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coping with adversity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These things that are fully in your hands. As Harden said, when you\u2019re <strong>prepared,<\/strong> there is no <strong>pressure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harden\u2019s <strong>preparation<\/strong> was likely a factor in him winning the MVP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like Harden, be delighted in your accomplishments, you deserve them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Consistency<\/strong> comes from doing the small things well, including paying attention to your <strong>mental game<\/strong> and <strong>mental preparation<\/strong> for each practice and game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how to control your <strong>focus<\/strong> and deal better with <strong>distractions<\/strong> with &#8220;The Focused Athlete&#8221; audio and workbook program:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-979ef383-5bc7-43ee-b8f9-249663ca1a6c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-05642731-8752-4dbf-9c18-5cc4d276e821\" class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-refocus-after-making-mistakes\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-compete-well-in-pressure-moments\/\"><strong>How to Compete Well in Pressure Moments<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/refocus-quickly-when-distracted\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-perform-big-in-pressure-moments\/\"><strong>How to Perform Big in Pressure Moments<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-prevent-mental-mistakes-during-competition\/\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/is-pressure-your-friend-or-foe\/\"><strong>Is Pressure Your Friend or Foe?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-5726d13f-f715-4ca4-8813-2f8a9ebd8bc3\">*Subscribe to\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a> <\/strong>on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-281f5afb-980b-4c71-9aa0-11d606b5f7c9\"><strong>Download a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/mental-toughness-report-athletes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free sports psychology report<\/a>&nbsp;to improve your mental game!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-94138e75-d591-4645-bb1d-212cf57a8841\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sport-psychology-training-athletes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Focused_Athlete\"><\/span>The Focused Athlete <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/focused-athlete-teams-small.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3922\" style=\"width:215px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s probably no secret that you have many opportunities<strong> to become distracted<\/strong> in sports. Athletes are bombarded with both internal and external distractions everyday in practice and competition. <strong>Focused athletes<\/strong> are able to get the most from their skills because they are more efficient with practice and more concentrated in competition. Athletes who lack focus <strong>let distractions run wild through their mind and don\u2019t know how to adjust or refocus.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Focused Athlete was developed for any level coach, parent, or junior to professional athlete who wants to improve performance and gain a competitive edge. It does not matter if you are a fledgling junior athlete; or a seasoned professional, plagued with distractions; or you just wanting to learn how to improve concentration\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Focused Athlete\u201d is a complete system to teach you how to focus like a champion and harness the power of a zone focus every time you step on the playing field, court, track, or course in practice and games!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-769fef19\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-68fab510 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/the-focused-athlete-cd-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GET DETAILS<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-3043572a gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/collections\/the-confident-athlete-series-digital-download\/products\/the-focused-athlete-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BUY NOW<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Control Your Focus Have you ever been recognized for your individual talent or accomplishments? Did that &#8220;satisfy&#8221; you? Or, were you unfulfilled? James Harden was recognized as the NBA\u2019s MVP this past season. Harden declared himself the best player in the league four years ago, and refused to back down until his doubters turned to believers. &#8230; <a title=\"How to Manage Pressure Like MVP James Harden\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-to-manage-pressure-like-mvp-james-harden\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Manage Pressure Like MVP James Harden\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8941,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[324,43],"class_list":["post-8938","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-tips","tag-focus-in-sports","tag-pressure-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.6.2 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Have you ever been recognized for your individual talent or accomplishments? 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