STOP Choking Under Pressure!

Pressure can often feel overwhelming, but learning how to manage it can dramatically improve performance and well-being.

According to Dr. Hank Weisinger, an expert in emotional intelligence and pressure management, the common belief that people “rise to the occasion” under pressure is largely a myth.

In fact, pressure tends to hinder performance, not enhance it.

Self-imposed pressure, often driven by unrealistic expectations or the fear of failure, is particularly harmful.

Instead of motivating us, it creates anxiety and prevents us from doing our best.

Dr. Weisinger suggests reframing challenges as opportunities rather than threats and focusing on doing your best without attaching unnecessary pressure to the outcome.

He also highlights the importance of differentiating between stress and pressure.

While stress is a natural part of life, pressure is often a mindset we impose on ourselves, which can be managed through techniques like mindful breathing.

This mindset shift is especially important in parenting and academic settings, where the weight of expectations can be heavy.

Dr. Weisinger encourages parents to avoid projecting their own ambitions onto their children and to view failures as learning opportunities rather than mistakes.

By cultivating healthier expectations and fostering a pressure-free environment, both parents and children can thrive emotionally and mentally.

Can science and years of practical experience prove that it's possible to perform at your best?