The pressure to perform and make the right decisions can often blur the lines between what we feel and what is true. As both a CEO and as a coach, I've observed that one of the most critical steps a leader can take when feeling pressure or when trying to chart a path forward, is to actively separate feelings and emotions from the facts at hand – “start with the truth.”

It's a common scenario: you've just walked out of a tough board meeting, and your mind is racing. The immediate gut reaction might be panic or defensiveness—feelings like "The board is going to fire me," or "They think I'm doing a terrible job." However, these are perceptions shaped by stress and anxiety, not necessarily the reality.

The first step to navigate through these emotions is to recognize them as such — “this is how I feel…” and ask yourself, “what are the actual facts?”

In the scenario above, the fact might be that the board simply asked about growth plans for the next year. That's it—no personal attacks, no hints at dismissal. Just a straightforward query about the future of the company.

Here are some steps you can take to start with the truth:

• Reflect Before Reacting: Take a moment to step back and breathe before responding to high-pressure situations.

• Fact-Check: Actively seek out the factual elements of the situation. What was actually said? What numbers or outcomes are being discussed?

• Document and Analyze: Write down the facts as you understand them and analyze them away from the heat of the moment.

• Seek Input: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification to ensure your understanding is aligned with reality.

Facts are your friends. Emotions can drive bad decisions. Make it a practice to start with the truth and go from there. You got this.