When it counts, the mind decides

Experience, market knowledge, and technical expertise are essential. But when things get tight, mental strength becomes the deciding factor.

Athletes like Michael Phelps and LeBron James prepare specifically for high-pressure situations. They use visualisation, breathing techniques, and structured routines — they aim to achieve concentration, stress control, and confident action.

These strategies are effective because they regulate the nervous system, build confidence, and help you stay present. They also work in chartering, whether during tough negotiations, important client meetings, or when things take an unexpected turn.

What Elite Athletes do differently and what you can learn

Success often comes not from knowing more, but from preparing better. Here are three proven techniques from high-performance sport that you can start using right away:

Defining moments in chartering – your "Final"

Chartering moves fast. Often, there's little time to prepare. And yet, this is precisely when you need to perform: in negotiations, client presentations, critical situations, or during impromptu conversations at industry events.

Common situations:

• Negotiations with owners or charterers: You need clarity, focus, and composure.

• Presenting your charter proposal: Your argument needs to be structured and persuasive.

• Solving problems in real time: Mental flexibility is key.

• Networking at events: You want to appear genuine, professional, and approachable.

In these moments, it is not only about what you know, but how clearly and confidently you present yourself. Mental techniques help you deliver when it counts.

Mental preparation – how to get in the right headspace

Whether it's a negotiation, client meeting, or spontaneous interaction, use mental "success films" to get in the right frame of mind – ideally, the evening before, in the morning, or just before the situation.

Visualisation examples:

• A successful negotiation: you remain composed and lead the conversation – agreement follows.

• A positive outcome: you see the signature, hear "It's fixed", and feel a sense of pride.

• A constructive conversation: you stay on equal footing, respond calmly – trust is built.

These internal images serve as mental training – no special space or equipment is needed, but they have a tangible impact.

Your Personal Matchday Plan

Having a clear structure boosts your performance step by step.

Preparation for your key moment:

• Evening before: 10 minutes of visualisation

• On the day: box breathing, short mantra ("Clear. Calm. Focused.")

• After the situation: reflection – 3 things that went well, 2 lessons, 1 action for next time

This routine builds resilience and helps you deliver when the pace picks up and decisions matter.

What you can take from High-Performance sport

On the pitch or in a negotiation, key moments demand a clear mind, focused communication, and inner stability.

Professional athletes don't just rehearse moves – they also train their minds. So can you: effectively, efficiently, and with visible results.

The outcome: more clarity, more substantial confidence, and better outcomes in daily business – whether negotiating, dealing with clients, or working under pressure.

The essence: Mentally prepare for success

Top athletes like Michael Phelps and LeBron James rely on mental strategies – visualisation, controlled breathing, and positive self-talk. These help them stay capable and focused when pressure builds.

These methods also work in chartering. You don't need to be a professional athlete to benefit, but you can prepare with the same intent: practical, focused, and effective.

seabo – so you can focus on what matters

Complex contracts, volatile markets, too much information?

seabo helps you stay on top of it all – bringing together relevant data, simplifying workflows, and improving decision quality.

This way, you stay focused – exactly where it matters most: on your performance in critical moments.