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The Science of Being Better When You’re Nervous
When the performance matters we’re going to feel some pressure, nerves, and stress. Whether it’s a big presentation, a test, or even a date – most people think the most effective way to prepare for these situations is to try and calm down. In this episode, we dig into research that shows why this is exactly the wrong approach and share some effective strategies to help anyone perform at their best when it matters.
Featuring:
Ceci Clark: Mental Performance Coach for the Cleveland Indians. She explains how she helps major leaguers perform better under pressure.
Jeremy Jamieson: Director of University of Rochester’s Social Stress Lab. He explains the science behind stress and how changing our perception of it can lead to better performance.
Key Points
Calming Down
When we feel nervous before a performance, over 90% of people believe the best approach is to calm down. However, research shows that this approach can lead to suppression, which often make the nerves and stress even worse.
Reappraisal
When we understand that feeling nervous before a big moment is actually useful – we will perform better.
Small Seeds, Big Change
Short interventions that teach the value of our pre-performance nerves have a lasting impact.
The Science of Reappraisal
Studies by Allison Wood Brooks and Jeremy Jamieson show how reappraisal can impact performance.
Quick Links
GRE Study
Reappraisal Research by Allison Wood Brooks
Jeremy Jamieson – Director of the Social Stress Lab: University of Rochester
Ceci Clark – Mental Performance Coach: Cleveland Indians
