Use Tony Robbins’ “State Management” Technique, So You Can Maintain Peak Performance Under Pressure

Under Pressure

When you’re under pressure, your mental and emotional state can make or break your performance.

Stress can paralyze you. It’ll stop you dead in your tracks if you don’t know what to do. Tony Robbins’ “State Management” technique is a powerful method for taking control of your emotions and staying focused, confident, and energized, no matter the situation.

This technique is rooted in the idea that your mental state isn’t random—it’s something you can influence and change at any moment. By managing your state, you can perform at your best, even when the stakes are high.

Here’s how to use Tony Robbins’ State Management method to stay at peak performance when it matters most.

What Is State Management?

State management is the practice of consciously influencing your emotions, focus, and energy to achieve a desired mental and physical state.

And if you don’t know who Tony Robbins is, you need help. Since I’m kind, I’ll help you out.

Tony Robbins is the world's number-one success coach. He has mentored and coached athletes, celebrities, billionaires, and even presidents to improve their results and perform at the highest level. And his net worth is $600 million.

Tony teaches that your state is shaped by three factors: physiology, focus, and language.

When you’re stressed or underperforming, it’s often because one or more of these elements are working against you. 

By changing how you move, what you focus on, and the words you use, you can shift into a powerful, productive state almost instantly.

The Three Keys to Managing Your State

1. Physiology
Your body language, posture, and breathing have a direct impact on your emotions and energy levels. When you’re slouched or breathing shallowly, it’s hard to feel confident or motivated. By changing your physiology, you can change how you feel.

• What to Do: Stand tall, breathe deeply, and move with purpose. Even something as simple as jumping up and down or clenching your fists can help you feel more energized and focused.

2. Focus
What you focus on determines how you feel. If you’re dwelling on what could go wrong, your state will reflect fear or doubt. Shifting your focus to what you can control or what’s positive helps you stay calm and confident.

• What to Do: Ask yourself empowering questions like, “What’s one thing I can do right now to move forward?” or “What’s great about this situation?” Focus on solutions, not problems.

3. Language
The words you use, both out loud and in your head, shape your state. Negative self-talk or defeatist language can drain your energy, while positive, empowering words can elevate your confidence and determination.

• What to Do: Replace phrases like “I can’t handle this” with “I’ve got this” or “I’m ready.” Speak to yourself the way a supportive coach or mentor would.

How to Apply State Management Under Pressure

When you’re in a high-pressure situation, use these steps to shift into a peak state quickly:

Step 1: Reset Your Physiology
Take a deep breath, straighten your posture, and release any tension in your body. If possible, move around or do a quick power pose to boost your energy and confidence.

Step 2: Shift Your Focus
Identify what you can control and direct your attention to the next actionable step. Let go of what’s outside your control. Visualize a successful outcome to keep your mindset positive.

Step 3: Use Empowering Language
Silently or out loud, use affirmations or power phrases to reinforce your confidence. For example, say, “I’ve handled challenges before, and I can handle this too.”

Real-World Examples of State Management

• Public Speaking: If you feel nervous before going on stage, use State Management to calm yourself. Stand tall, take deep breaths, and focus on delivering value to your audience instead of worrying about being judged.

• High-Stakes Meetings: Before an important negotiation or presentation, use empowering language like, “I’m prepared and ready to succeed.” Focus on the strengths you bring to the table.

• Sports and Fitness: Athletes use State Management to stay focused during competitions. They adjust their breathing, visualize winning, and use phrases like, “I’m unstoppable” to stay in the zone.

Tips for Building Strong State Management Habits

1. Practice Daily
   Incorporate State Management into your routine, even when you’re not under pressure. Use it to start your day energized, handle small challenges, or maintain focus during routine tasks.

2. Use Music or Anchors
   Create a playlist of songs that make you feel unstoppable and use it to trigger a peak state. Alternatively, develop a physical anchor, like a fist pump or clap, that signals your brain to shift into high gear.

3. Monitor Your Self-Talk
   Pay attention to how you speak to yourself throughout the day. Catch and reframe negative thoughts to maintain a confident state.

Why State Management Matters

The ability to manage your state is what separates top performers from the rest.

As Tony says in his bestselling book Awaken the Giant Within:

“When you control your emotions and energy, you stay calm under pressure, make better decisions, and maintain focus on your goals.”

This isn’t just about one-off situations—it’s a skill that can improve every area of your life, from work to relationships to personal growth.

State Management teaches you that your emotions don’t control you—you control them.

By mastering this technique, you gain the ability to face any challenge with confidence and poise.

The BMM Takeaway

Tony Robbins’ State Management technique is a powerful tool for maintaining peak performance under pressure.

Take control of your:

•Physiology
•Focus
•Language

By taking control, you can shift into a productive and confident state whenever you need it. This ability allows you to have a superpower at your disposal. But to get there, you must cultivate this skill.

Practice these strategies daily, and you’ll build the mental resilience to excel in any high-stakes situation. We always talk about controlling your emotional state. This is how you do it.

Your state is your choice—choose one that sets you up for success.