Last week, I had the privilege of hearing cricket legend Kapil Dev speak. Someone asked him about the pressure elite athletes face — the constant scrutiny, the demand to perform, the weight of expectations. His response was simple but profound:
“It’s a pleasure, not pressure.”
That line landed hard. Then, paraphrasing his broader point, he essentially said: We’re lucky to have this job. No one is forcing us to do it. We chose this career, and we can step away if we want to.
That mindset stuck with me. Because while I’m not a professional athlete, I do know a thing or two about high expectations, long hours, and the emotional weight of leadership.
And I suspect you do too.
We Chose This
Leadership isn’t something that just happens to us. Most of us raised our hand. We applied, we built, we volunteered, we said yes — sometimes when we didn’t have to.
Yes, leadership comes with its share of challenges. There are difficult conversations, high stakes decisions, and seasons of sacrifice. But it also comes with the incredible opportunity to shape people’s lives, build something meaningful, and leave a legacy.
What Kapil Dev reminded me is that perspective matters.
Reframing the Role
When we see our responsibilities only through the lens of pressure, they feel like a burden. When we remember the privilege of being trusted to lead, that burden becomes lighter.
- The late-night email is a sign that someone’s relying on us.
- The difficult meeting is a chance to model integrity and courage.
- The tight deadline is a reflection of the confidence others have in our ability to deliver.
Is it easy? No. But easy was never the goal.
A Leader’s Reminder
If you’re carrying a heavy load today, you’re not alone. But take a moment to remind yourself: you chose this, and somewhere along the way, someone chose you too.
Let’s not forget the joy of it all.
It’s a pleasure, not pressure.
