Thriving Under Pressure: A Week of Growth and Inspiration

This week has been a truly brilliant one.
 
On Saturday, I had the privilege of delivering my Mental Resilience Masterclass 1 to an inspiring organisation called Rewild and Thrive, which runs retreats for men and women.
 
The group was fantastic, engaged, and open, making it an absolute pleasure to share tools and strategies that can help them thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
 
From there, I travelled to the Lake District to deliver a brand-new session for my favourite client, Lake District Estates. Julie accompanied me, and we spent four wonderful days in a beautiful cottage on Lake Windermere.
 
 
A special friendship
 
My special relationship with CEO David Little goes back a few years, when we first met at a Vistage event run by Peter Hills. After attending my Mental Resilience Masterclass, David invited me to deliver it to his leadership team.
 
From that point, we established a yearly partnership that has included masterclasses, coaching for his staff, and even short video content for their website.
 
What I admire most about David and his team is their genuine enthusiasm for learning and growth. Over the years, I’ve coached many of his staff and built such strong relationships that they now feel like family.
 
So, when I introduced my brand-new masterclass, Peak Performance Mindset, I felt completely at ease, and the response was brilliant.
 
 
This new session explores: 

• Neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire itself
• Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset – how beliefs shape performance
• 4-7-8 Breathing – a simple but powerful tool to reduce stress
• Removing Negative Self-Talk – breaking free from inner criticism
• The Benefits of Failure – how setbacks fuel growth
• Good Stress vs Bad Stress – using pressure positively
• Happiness vs Contentment – learning to live with balance

 
It’s deep, powerful content designed to help people perform at their highest level while maintaining balance and perspective.
 
I want to thank David for his ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of his staff. It’s a privilege to work with him and his team, and I’m grateful for the special relationship we’ve built.
 
 
Peer-to-Peer Group
 
On Thursday, I delivered my Productivity Breakthrough Masterclass to a Peer-to-Peer group run by Chair Steve Knowles. It was a pleasure to work with his group to help them reclaim their evenings and weekends.
 
I often pinch myself when I reflect on these moments. I genuinely love what I do, and I love being busy, even at the age of 71! There’s a thrill when life is full and purposeful. It reminds me of my professional basketball days when I had to perform under pressure. The coming weeks hold more exciting bookings, and I can’t wait to keep sharing these life-changing strategies.
 
 
A Story of Incredible Adversity: Ramón Arroyo Prieto
 
Let me share a story that’s deeply inspiring: that of Ramón Arroyo Prieto, a Spanish athlete from the Basque Country. In 2004, Ramón was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The prognosis was bleak.
 
One neurologist told him to “do nothing,” stay at home, and not engage in any sporting activity, warning that raising his body temperature through exercise would be dangerous and that he wouldn’t even be able to run 100 metres.
 
Rather than accept that bleak outlook, Ramón chose defiance. He began training, pushing himself gently at first, then more aggressively. Over time, he scaled up to running and eventually set his sights on competing in Ironman triathlons, one of the most gruelling endurance events in sport.
 
Through sheer determination and mental resilience, Ramón not only completed an Ironman but excelled at it. His story was so compelling that it inspired a documentary released in 2016.
 
Ramón’s journey demonstrates how mental resilience, perseverance, and self-belief can defy professional prognoses, shift mindsets, and achieve extraordinary outcomes.
 
 
Three Key Learnings
 
Relationships Fuel Growth
Strong, authentic relationships, such as the one I’ve built with David, provide a foundation of trust and opportunity, enabling deeper work and ongoing development.
 
Resilience Is a Skill You Build
Whether it’s practising breathing exercises, shifting your mindset, or challenging limiting self-talk, resilience is something you can train and improve.
 
Obstacles Can Be Stepping Stones
Ramón Arroyo Prieto’s story shows that what seems like a barrier, a disabling diagnosis, or discouragement from professionals, can become the launchpad for remarkable achievement when met with determination and strategy. 
 
This week reminded me that resilience, productivity, and growth are not just ideas, they are genuine parts of everyday life. Whether I’m working in the Lake District, speaking to peer groups, or learning from people like Ramón, it’s clear that having the right mindset, focused on growth, connection, and positively using stress, can genuinely change lives.
 
 
Thoughts for the week. 

1. What routines or tools do you currently have to help you stay calm and centred under pressure?
2. In what areas of your life could reframing “failure” as a learning opportunity shift your approach or mindset?
3. Which relationships around you could you strengthen to better support your resilience, growth, and well-being?
4. Are you pursuing fleeting moments of happiness, or are you building toward sustained, meaningful contentment? 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing.
 
Warm regards

John


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