Pressure is a Privilege - but not because it's rare

Part of me hates myself for posting a sports aphorism, made by a famous actor, on a platform known for corny aphorisms. But I quite like this from Tom Hiddleston:

"Pressure is a privilege. If you're feeling any pressure or the weight of expectation, you are breathing that rare air that very few of us get to live inside."

He was talking about nerves - how the chemical you produce when you're nervous is the same one you produce when you're excited. The story you tell yourself is the difference.

I disagree with the "rare air" part though.

While we may not be Champions League footballers or appearing at the Oscars, I think a lot of us are breathing it. 

The pressure of making something worthwhile. 

The pressure of doing a good job so we can support our families.

The expectations of people who like us, love us, need us.

That's not rare. It's everywhere.

Which might make the first part even more useful. 

Pressure is a privilege - not because few people have it, but because it means something is at stake.

P.S. He was talking about the pressure Arsenal will face when they play Manchester City in a huge Premier League football game. I'm writing this before the game...