Why Talented People Fail Under Pressure

It’s not uncommon for even very successful people to choke under pressure. Countless numbers of talented men and women have bombed a job interview, botched a presentation, or failed to make (or save) the winning shot when the pressure was on. When the pressure is on, we tend to panic — about the situation, its consequences, and what others will think of us — and as a result we start overthinking something that usually comes naturally to us. There are several things you can do to avoid this. When you’re about to go into a stressful situation where you have practiced the task at hand to perfection, don’t overthink what’s next. Five minutes before the big event is not the time to go over every detail of what you are about to do in your head. Instead, give yourself a moment to focus on something else. Do a crossword puzzle. Think about the vacation you’re taking next month. If you notice that you are starting to overthink, try singing a song, repeating a one-word mantra, or focusing on the three key points you want to get across to your audience. These approaches use up that cognitive horsepower that could otherwise be used against you. And lastly, if you do choke, remember: It’s not the end of the world. You might be disappointed and even embarrassed, but like most things in life, it’s a learning experience.