No Pressure, No Diamonds #44

In our last Elite Daily, we talked about reframing stress as a challenge rather than as a threat, using it as fuel to grow and thrive.

Building on that, let’s talk about something Steven Kotler, author of The Rise of Superman, once told me during an interview.

I asked him what one thing he wanted us thinking about for elite performance.

His answer?

“No pressure, no diamonds.”

Think about it. Diamonds—the hardest, most brilliant substance on Earth—are forged under immense pressure. And so are we. Pressure, when harnessed correctly, isn’t something to avoid. It’s a catalyst for greatness.

The Science of Flow Under Pressure

Kotler’s work shows that high performance happens when we step just outside our comfort zone into what he calls the flow channel—that sweet spot where challenge and skill meet.

• Too little pressure? You’re bored, disengaged, uninspired.
• Too much pressure? You’re overwhelmed, frozen, and shut down.
• Just the right amount? You’re energized, focused, and capable of extraordinary things.

The trick is to embrace pressure without letting it overwhelm you. Instead of resisting it, learn to dance with it.

The Heroic Elite Mindset

Pressure is the forge where elite performers are made. It forces us to grow stronger, think sharper, and act more decisively.

Here’s the key: Pressure doesn’t create cracks unless we let it.

Let’s embrace Kotler’s wisdom: No pressure, no diamonds. Lean into the challenges life presents and allow them to shape you into the best version of yourself.

Action Step

When you feel pressure today, ask yourself:

• Am I in the flow channel?
• What’s one action I can take to lean into this pressure rather than resist it?

Then, remind yourself: This pressure isn’t breaking me. It’s shaping me.

P.S. For more on this, check out the Philosopher’s Notes on

• The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler
• The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle