Mental focus on "easy" shots

I seem to hit better shots when the mental demand is higher. Example: I routinely hit it closer to the hole from a difficult, yet doable shot from the rough over a tree into the wind with trouble right forcing a draw to a left pin than I would from middle of the fairway to a center pin. It's like the more I have to think about, the better I do. I also play better in competitive rounds than in casual ones. Would any better players with this issue share how they deal with this during a round? I've heard "aim small, miss small", and I've tried to simulate difficult circumstances on more benign shots, but haven't been very successful with it. Any secrets?

My golf buds will say if I'm in the middle of the fairway and 150 yards in, they don't worry about me but if I'm in the trees with 225 to carry a creek and the shot needs to be cut 35 yards, they know I'll pull it off.

I've done something this year that's helped a bit. Regardless of where the ball is, I pick a line, set the club down and don't look at the target anymore. My thought is solely to keep my head still and swing the club on that axis. It's helped...some.

For OP the secret would be to drive the ball poorly.

Steve