Ever had a moment where your mind went blank and your skills vanished under pressure? This discussion starts with a personal story of "choking" during a father-son piano recital and finds a surprising explanation in the psychology of professional soccer.
Drawing on the research of Norwegian psychologist Geir Jordet, who analyzed hundreds of high-stakes penalty kicks, we explore the science behind why our bodies freeze up when we're trying our hardest. Discover why overthinking, rushing, and negative self-talk (like "Don't miss!") are the biggest culprits behind performance failure.
More importantly, learn the three evidence-based "reset techniques" that elite athletes use to conquer pressure: fixing your routine, maintaining an external focus, and using affirmative self-talk. It's a practical guide to switching your brain from a negative "failure avoidance mode" to a positive "success pursuit mode," offering valuable lessons for any "real performance" in life, whether on a stage, a field, or in the office.