Our Gemara on Amud Aleph delves into the virtues of various sages, including Rabbi Yehuda, who is peculiarly described as "wise when he wishes to be" (חָכָם לִכְשֶׁיִּרְצֶה). Rashi's interpretation of this phrase does not seem particularly praiseworthy, but to answer this, Tosafos adds that it implies Rabbi Yehuda can surpass Rabbi Meir (who was mentioned earlier) in wisdom when he puts in extra effort. So it is about Rav Yehuda’s ability relative to Rabbi Meir.
However, Maharitz Chayes offers an alternative interpretation. He suggests that Rabbi Yehuda possessed a unique ability to concentrate, allowing him to maintain focus regardless of external circumstances or stressors. We have all heard stories of great individuals who can immerse themselves so intensely that they remain unaffected by their surroundings.
Sefer Daas Chokmah (Miketz) attributes this quality to Yosef. The verse in Genesis 41:44 states:
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֶל־יוֹסֵ֖ף אֲנִ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וּבִלְעָדֶ֗יךָ לֹֽא־יָרִ֨ים אִ֧ישׁ אֶת־יָד֛וֹ וְאֶת־רַגְל֖וֹ בְּכׇל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh; yet without you, no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt."
The Targum expands on this verse:
וַאֲמַר פַּרְעֹה לְיוֹסֵף אֲנָא פַרְעֹה וּבַר מֵימְרָךְ לָא יְרִים גְּבַר יָת יְדֵיהּ לְמֵיחַד זֵין וְיָת רַגְלֵיהּ לְמִרְכַּב עַל סוּסְיָא בְּכָל אַרְעָא דְמִצְרָיִם:
Pharaoh [then] said to Yoseif, "I am Pharaoh, but without you [your permission], no man will lift [pick up] his hand [to carry a sword] or his foot [to ride upon a horse] in the entire land of Egypt."
This Targumic addition highlights Pharaoh's observation that Yosef remained calm and wise under pressure and in all circumstances. Pharaoh recognized this quality as indicative of leadership, as someone who would exercise military force judiciously, without haste, panic, or other emotional impulsivity. This quality encompasses being focused and wise at all times.
Can we cultivate such a quality within ourselves? According to researchers Kent, Devonport, Lane, Nicholls, and Friesen ("The Effects of Coping Interventions on Ability to Perform Under Pressure," J Sports Sci Med. 2018 Mar; 17(1): 40–55. Published online 2018 Mar 1.):
The ability to execute vital self-regulatory processes under pressure is a recognized requirement for achieving excellence (Baumeister, 1984; Jordet, 2009). These processes enable individuals to regulate physiological and psychological states, aiding movement and decision-making toward goal achievement (Vickers and Lewinski, 2012). Individuals who lack effective coping skills to regulate the physiological and psychological states influenced by pressure may underperform relative to their skill level (DeCaro et al., 2011). Coping strategies that help individuals regulate perceived demands in crucial moments can enhance their ability to attend, concentrate, and perform effectively under pressure (Jensen and Wrisberg, 2014). Developing coping strategies, increasing coping flexibility, understanding when to utilize different strategies, and enhancing confidence in their application can improve an individual's capacity to perform under pressure (Duhachek and Kelting, 2009). This enables individuals to sustain performance in contexts that require optimal or superior performance.
One effective method for building these skills involves cognitive behavioral study that focuses on:
- Developing strategies for acceptance and gaining control
- Understanding the relationship between emotion and performance
- Developing problem-focused coping strategies
- Reducing false or self-defeating beliefs to foster confidence
Pressure and stress trigger biological responses that shift the brain's focus away from cognitive functions to immediate survival needs. However, instincts are generally true but not specifically true. Our brains and glands cannot discern much difference between being chased by a tiger and facing a perceived emotional threat, such as the fear of embarrassment when speaking or performing in public. While the former requires physical action and less cognition, the latter benefits more from reason and measured thought. The good news is that through practice and exposure, we can train ourselves to become less reactive to common triggers and maintain clear thinking even under pressure.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation 
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