Does your mind go blank every time the boss calls your name in a big meeting? Ever bombed a test you spent weeks studying for, or botched a simple play that cost your team the game? If so, University of Chicago psychologist Sian Beilock, author of the new book Choke, feels your pain.
Don’t Choke: 5 Tips for Performing Under Pressure
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When you're under the gun, it's tempting to just go with whatever comes to mind first. But that's often a mistake. Beilock argues that the best strategy is to take a deep breath, clear your mind, then carefully analyze the problem at hand — like, say, a complex question on a math test — before trying to solve it. Just like a pro basketball player quickly scans the entire court before making a pass or driving toward the basket, it's important to absorb all relevant information before proceeding. Not only does pausing help to ensure that you don't overlook key details, but it also gives your brain time to replenish its supply of glucose, the cellular fuel that helps ensure peak performance.
