TED Talk Summary: Why we choke under pressure — and how to avoid it
Highlights from the TED Talk by Sian Leah Beilock - Why we choke under pressure — and how to avoid it
We worry about the situation, the consequences, what others will think of us. But what is surprising is that we often get in our own way precisely because our worries prompt us to concentrate too much. That's right -- we pay too much attention to what we're doing. When we're concerned about performing our best, we often try and control aspects of what we're doing that are best left on autopilot, outside conscious awareness, and as a result, we mess up.
Ways to prevent choking under pressure -
We worry about the situation, the consequences, what others will think of us. But what is surprising is that we often get in our own way precisely because our worries prompt us to concentrate too much. That's right -- we pay too much attention to what we're doing. When we're concerned about performing our best, we often try and control aspects of what we're doing that are best left on autopilot, outside conscious awareness, and as a result, we mess up.
Ways to prevent choking under pressure -
- Avoid overattention / Paralysis by analysis - sing a song, take your mind off pesky details
- Practise with simulations, Practice under stress - take a timed test, practice in front of a video camera or even a mirror
- Journaling or jotting down worries on paper before a stressful event can help to download them from mind
- Be aware of environment - people around us, social media can influence whether or not we can put our best foot forward when it matters most. "Math anxiety is contagious"
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