Watch the full episode The Practice of Groundedness with Brad Stulberg.

Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City in the 2023 FA Community Shield final was a significant moment for the soccer club. While some may have considered the match to be less important than the upcoming Premier League season, it was a major boost for Arsenal’s confidence and morale. The team’s performance, particularly in the penalty shootout, showed a new level of determination and resilience. This shift from harboring doubts to cultivating a resolute belief in their capabilities has the potential to close the gap between Arsenal and City in the upcoming soccer season.

As football psychologist Geir Jordet remarked in his tweet, there was something rare about the way Arsenal approached the winning penalties. The players exhibited remarkable composure and intentionality in their actions: “Every player paused more than 5 seconds after the whistle…it suggests a collective plan to actively control oneself under stress.” 

There is no foolproof formula in sports. But opportunities to excel are present at every corner. Stepping back, connecting with one’s inner core, and operating from a place of calm — of groundedness — can often lead to striking the right chord in such opportunities. This is true not only for sports but also for life and work.

Seeking Inner Stability

Groundedness, defined as inner strength and stability, serves as a counterbalance to the frantic pace of modern life. It is a solid foundation from which a more joyful and purposeful journey can unfold.

Brad Stulberg, renowned executive coach and author of The Practice of Groundedness, has identified six core principles of groundedness:

1. Accept where you are to get where you want to go
2. Be present so you can own your attention and energy
3. Be patient and you’ll get there faster
4. Embrace vulnerability to develop genuine strength and confidence
5. Build deep community
6. Move your body to ground your mind

Instead of chasing constant novelty and stimulation, groundedness encourages us to slow down, be patient, and cultivate genuine connections with others. It invites us to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and use them as stepping stones to authentic confidence. Rather than projecting an image of having it all together, true strength comes from acknowledging our imperfections and being open about our challenges.

How to Stay Grounded in Emotionally Charged Situations

When we find ourselves in the midst of emotionally charged or stressful situations, it can be challenging to perform tasks that require attention, memory, and decision-making. Our ingrained habits and actions may begin to show resistance. Such was the case in 2021 for four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles, prompting her to take a break until she could rediscover her flow (Simone has since returned to competitive sports, achieving a win at the US Classic).

Researchers and ancient wisdom alike point to the practice of self-distancing as a way to create a space between our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to make more discerning choices. Imagine taking a step back and looking at your situation as if advising a close friend. What advice would you offer? This simple shift in perspective can provide valuable clarity.

Another method involves tapping into a deeper sense of the self — that of greater awareness — beyond the immediate emotions. Pretend you’re an older, wiser version of yourself looking back on the present moment. What guidance would you give? By separating yourself from your immediate experiences, you gain the freedom to choose how to respond. 

Brad notes that meditation and contemplative practice can aid in recognizing the transient nature of thoughts and emotions:

“It helps you learn that thoughts and feelings arise, the crest, and then fall. The more experience you have watching those thoughts and emotions rise and fall, the more you realize that you or a sense of identity or self or awareness are separate from those thoughts and feelings, and you get to decide what to do with them.”

As a peak performance coach, Brad Stulberg works with executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, and athletes on their mental skills and overall well-being. 

Creating Outer Impact from a Place of Inner Mastery

We’ve seen how a pause can reaffirm your purpose and keep you grounded, allowing you to perform at your best. It takes you closer to your Inner Core, a concept that Mentora’s transformative leadership approach is anchored on. 

This approach emphasizes the importance of aligning your inner self with your outer actions to achieve both personal fulfillment and professional success. It is characterized by the five Core Energies — Purpose, Wisdom, Growth, Love, and Self-Realization — that our founder Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa explores in detail in his book, Inner Mastery, Outer Impact. By activating and expressing these energies in everything we do, we can operate from our Inner Core — free from ego, attachments, and limiting beliefs. 

So, the next time you’re anxious about the outcome of a high-stakes event you’re walking into, pause for a moment to tap into your Inner Core, self-soothe, and visualize the event. You’ll find your energy shift into a high-performance state that powers creative breakthroughs.