Insights from ‘Performing Under Pressure’ by Hendrie Weisinger and J. P. Pawliw‐Fry Flashcards
What is the goal in a stressful situation?
Reduction is the goal in a stressful situation.
What is the goal in a pressure moment?
Success is the goal in a pressure moment.
True or False: People perform their best under pressure.
False
How does pressure affect your thinking?
Pressure makes your thinking rigid and distorted.
What myth does the media promote about ‘clutch performers’?
The myth that certain athletes perform better under pressure.
In a study, what did people who handled pressure well focus on?
They allowed themselves to be affected less by pressure than those around them.
What mindset should you adopt before a high-pressure situation according to Adam Grant?
Interpret anxiety as excitement and say, ‘I’m excited for the upcoming challenge.’
What effect did getting excited have on students giving speeches?
Students who got excited were 17% more persuasive and 15% more confident.
What effect did getting excited have on students taking a big exam?
Students who got excited scored 22% higher than those told to stay calm.
Fill in the blank: ‘The next time you feel pressure, interpret your anxiety as ________.’
excitement
How can reframing a situation as a challenge help in high-pressure situations?
It encourages seeing tasks as opportunities to showcase abilities, enhancing focus and motivation.
What happened to track sprinters when they were told their time was important?
They had more false starts.
How did sales reps perform when told to ‘shoot the breeze’ compared to when they were told their presentation was ‘very important’?
They made significantly fewer mistakes.
What should you do the next time you feel pressure before a big exam?
Downplay it by thinking, ‘It’s just like a practice test.’
Why is it harmful to focus on ‘uncontrollables’ in high-pressure situations?
It increases anxiety, disturbing physiology, and creating distracting thoughts that undermine confidence.
