--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Above all else, I need to try and stay…" description: "\"Above all else, I need to try and stay focused on what I can control, rather than worrying about the things that I can't, especially when I'm under a l..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d89/sam-kerr-6107_control_above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-fo_2441698.jpg" --- # Above all else, I need to try and stay focused on what I… ![“Above all else, I need to try and stay focused on what I can control, rather than worrying about the things that I can't, especially when I'm under a lot of pressure during a tournament.” quote by Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d89/sam-kerr-6107_control_above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-fo_2441698.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d89/sam-kerr-6107_control_above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-fo_2441698.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d89/sam-kerr-6107_control_above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-fo_2441698.jpg) > “Above all else, I need to try and stay focused on what I can control, rather than worrying about the things that I can't, especially when I'm under a lot of pressure during a tournament.” [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Focus on controllable factors and maintain concentration under pressure rather than stressing over uncontrollable elements. **In simple terms:** Stay focused on what you can control during high pressure. Key Takeaway Prioritize controllable actions, release the rest. Themes focus control performance pressure management Mood determined calm Type motivational sports When to use this quote - tournament play - training drills - pre‑match routines - mental rehearsal Key Concepts mindfulness cognitive control resilience Questions to Reflect On - What can you control right now? - How do you release worries about outcomes? A Different Perspective Over‑emphasis on control can cause anxiety if expectations are unrealistic. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Control](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/control/) [Pressure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pressure/) ## Related quotes > [These youngsters are gaining experience and making use of the opportunities. At some point, it will help me be relieved of responsibility because World…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mithali-raj/these-youngsters-are-gaining-experience-and-making-use-of-the/) [Mithali Raj](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mithali-raj/) > [“Stop Worrying About Everything When we worry, we tend to justify it by attributing it to truly caring about something or someone. But the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexis-g-roldan/stop-worrying-about-everything-when-we-worry-we-tend-to-justify-it-by/) [Alexis G. Roldan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexis-g-roldan/) > [“Focus on what you can control. Worrying about anything else is just a waste of your time. Worry and regret steal our happiness and,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-c-wood/focus-on-what-you-can-control-worrying-about-anything-else-is-just-a/) [C.C. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-c-wood/) > [I had many attempts to become No. 1, and it was really tough mentally to keep believing that it would happen one day, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simona-halep/i-had-many-attempts-to-become-no-1-and-it-was-really-tough-mentally/) [Simona Halep](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simona-halep/) > [I lose my temper at home. I try to control my temper at work. Sometimes, if you are under a lot of pressure, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mohamed-elbaradei/i-lose-my-temper-at-home-i-try-to-control-my-temper-at-work-sometimes/) [Mohamed ElBaradei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mohamed-elbaradei/) > [The only way of finding a solution is to fight back, to move, to run, and to control that pressure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rafael-nadal/the-only-way-of-finding-a-solution-is-to-fight-back-to-move-to-run/) [Rafael Nadal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rafael-nadal/) > [“While part of my mind puzzled that out, I watched my mother with fascination. I'd listened to her tell her stories. I'd seen and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richelle-mead/while-part-of-my-mind-puzzled-that-out-i-watched-my-mother-with/) [Richelle Mead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richelle-mead/) > [You've got to stay focused without being boring - because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Skinny, but dull.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ll-cool-j/you-ve-got-to-stay-focused-without-being-boring-because-all-work-and/) [LL Cool J](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ll-cool-j/) > [Pause and remember - The more you stay focused on your blessings the less stressed your life will be!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-young/pause-and-remember-the-more-you-stay-focused-on-your-blessings-the/) [Jennifer Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-young/) > [“You are not what you have done, but what you have overcome. All the hardships, the mistakes, the rejections, the pain and all the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/the-angel-affect/you-are-not-what-you-have-done-but-what-you-have-overcome-all-the/) The Angel Affect > [I've just learned that you can't take this game for granted. You have to stay professional and stay focused and stay prepared to produce…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/o-j-mayo/i-ve-just-learned-that-you-can-t-take-this-game-for-granted-you-have/) [O. J. Mayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/o-j-mayo/) > [You have to stay focused. You have to be on point. You can't call in sick. Acting takes a lot out of you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angus-cloud/you-have-to-stay-focused-you-have-to-be-on-point-you-can-t-call-in/) [Angus Cloud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angus-cloud/) > [“When faced with a tough decision, put your emotions aside, think victory thoughts, and try to envision how you want to end up when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/when-faced-with-a-tough-decision-put-your-emotions-aside-think/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) > [You have to stay focused and be mentally tough. That's what I've really learned: every day is a grind, and you have to go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-gronkowski/you-have-to-stay-focused-and-be-mentally-tough-that-s-what-i-ve/) [Chris Gronkowski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-gronkowski/) > [“Stay focused on bringing people together and more on positive messaging so that you can be the change you wish to see in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/germany-kent/stay-focused-on-bringing-people-together-and-more-on-positive/) [Germany Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/germany-kent/) ## More by Sam Kerr > [Fashion is always going to be important in every sport.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/fashion-is-always-going-to-be-important-in-every-sport/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I'll look at photos of myself, when I'm at awards or something, and kind of cringe because I can see myself trying to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-ll-look-at-photos-of-myself-when-i-m-at-awards-or-something-and/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I think I just have an AFL brain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-think-i-just-have-an-afl-brain/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I want to end my career, whenever that is, with as many trophies as I can and I think Chelsea's the best place to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-want-to-end-my-career-whenever-that-is-with-as-many-trophies-as-i/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I just do what I feel, whether it's right or wrong, and I'm very strong-willed, very stubborn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-just-do-what-i-feel-whether-it-s-right-or-wrong-and-i-m-very-strong/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [It's a dream come true to be able to represent my country and wear these amazing kits when we play.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/it-s-a-dream-come-true-to-be-able-to-represent-my-country-and-wear/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [We don't listen to the haters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/we-don-t-listen-to-the-haters/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I want to be someone that is entertaining, that's fun, that scores goals, does good celebrations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-want-to-be-someone-that-is-entertaining-that-s-fun-that-scores/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [When I see young girls and boys who say they wore this, or cut their hair like this because I did, it's an amazing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/when-i-see-young-girls-and-boys-who-say-they-wore-this-or-cut-their/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I believe pressure is a privilege.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-believe-pressure-is-a-privilege/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I'm always having a laugh, whether it's the right time or the wrong time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-m-always-having-a-laugh-whether-it-s-the-right-time-or-the-wrong/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [That's just the culture of the AFL - it's such a tough sport. As a kid, I was always playing footy, the boys were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/that-s-just-the-culture-of-the-afl-it-s-such-a-tough-sport-as-a-kid-i/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [I conquered my fears and did the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. It was a little scary, but once you are right up the top…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/i-conquered-my-fears-and-did-the-sydney-harbour-bridge-climb-it-was-a/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [When I was younger I would try to fit into the 'girly mould' and as I've gotten older I've become more confident and I've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/when-i-was-younger-i-would-try-to-fit-into-the-girly-mould-and-as-i/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) > [People ask me, 'Do you think you're the best player in the world?' How do you answer that?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/people-ask-me-do-you-think-you-re-the-best-player-in-the-world-how-do/) [Sam Kerr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) [Explore all 100 Sam Kerr quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/) ## More Control quotes > [We have to get control of our borders.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-coffman/we-have-to-get-control-of-our-borders/) [Mike Coffman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-coffman/) > [Grit and self-control are related, but they're not the same thing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angela-duckworth/grit-and-self-control-are-related-but-they-re-not-the-same-thing/) [Angela Duckworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angela-duckworth/) > [“You can't control who loves you...you can't let someone love you anymore than you can make someone love you”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amy-harmon/you-can-t-control-who-loves-you-you-can-t-let-someone-love-you/) [Amy Harmon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amy-harmon/) > [I thought I fought a really good Orlando Salido. I never let him get into his fight. I knew what I needed to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikey-garcia/i-thought-i-fought-a-really-good-orlando-salido-i-never-let-him-get/) [Mikey Garcia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikey-garcia/) > [Don't think you can...know you can! You human body is the most impressive tool you'll ever own. Even if you can't control everything, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-hardy/don-t-think-you-can-know-you-can-you-human-body-is-the-most/) [Jeff Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-hardy/) > [If you have everything under control, you're not moving fast enough.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-andretti/if-you-have-everything-under-control-you-re-not-moving-fast-enough/) [Mario Andretti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-andretti/) > [“Without time management, you lose control of your life and do what other people tell you to do. You lose control and become a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-miller/without-time-management-you-lose-control-of-your-life-and-do-what/) Thomas Miller > [I started off as a model maker, so the first part of my career was a model maker and then a motion control camera…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-knoll/i-started-off-as-a-model-maker-so-the-first-part-of-my-career-was-a/) [John Knoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-knoll/) > [Many of us rely on our own illusion of control. But when God makes it known to you that you're not the one steering…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yasmin-mogahed/many-of-us-rely-on-our-own-illusion-of-control-but-when-god-makes-it/) [Yasmin Mogahed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yasmin-mogahed/) > [In Congress, Florida Republicans worked with the Trump administration to secure funding for coastal restoration projects following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-waltz/in-congress-florida-republicans-worked-with-the-trump-administration/) [Michael Waltz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-waltz/) > [“He who can destroy a thing has the real control of it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-herbert/he-who-can-destroy-a-thing-has-the-real-control-of-it/) [Frank Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-herbert/) > [Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying or getting overly angry or to maintain control.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-haysbert/sometimes-you-have-to-laugh-to-keep-from-crying-or-getting-overly/) [Dennis Haysbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-haysbert/) > [My sister-in-law works for a group that supports orphanages in Cairo. She and her colleagues take care of children left behind by circumstances beyond…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mohamed-elbaradei/my-sister-in-law-works-for-a-group-that-supports-orphanages-in-cairo/) [Mohamed ElBaradei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mohamed-elbaradei/) > [Some nights I'm funny with the between-song commentary, some nights I'm not. I have no control over this. I pace the stage a lot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-berman/some-nights-i-m-funny-with-the-between-song-commentary-some-nights-i/) [David Berman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-berman/) > [“Control never be a means to any practical end. It can never be a means to anything but more control… Like punk.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-s-burroughs/control-never-be-a-means-to-any-practical-end-it-can-never-be-a-means/) [William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-s-burroughs/) [Browse all 6,032 Control quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/control/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Above all else, I need to try and stay focused on what I can control, rather than worrying about the things that I can't, especially when I'm under a lot of pressure during a tournament.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sam Kerr" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-focused-on-what-i-can-control/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Control" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-focused-on-what-i-can-control/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d89/sam-kerr-6107_control_above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-fo_2441698.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d89/sam-kerr-6107_control_above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-fo_2441698.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d89/sam-kerr-6107_control_above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-fo_2441698.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Above all else, I need to try and stay focused on what I can control, rather than worrying about the things…” — Sam Kerr", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Sam Kerr", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-kerr/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Above all else, I need to...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-focused-on-what-i-can-control/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-kerr/above-all-else-i-need-to-try-and-stay-focused-on-what-i-can-control/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```