Performing under pressure and the "clutch" performer myth

Sports heroes like Michael Jordan inspire us to think that there might be such a thing as a 'clutch' pressure performer who improves when the heat is on...

Our minds fool us into thinking we are doing better work when we are under pressure...

But it's all a huge myth...

Take a look at this ~3 minute clip from a National Geographic series called "Brain Games" and check out "Performing Under Pressure" by Hendrie Weisinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jgP-wKQOrU



And be sure to check out this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Performing-Under-Pressure-Science-Matters/dp/0804136726



From Performing Under Pressure...

The Bottom line - pressure is the enemy of success:  It undermines performance and helps us fail.

  • Pressure adversely impacts our cognitive success
  • Pressure downgrades our behavioral skills
  • In pressure moments, most people perform below their capability
  • The influence of pressure on derailing your performance is often disguised (our brains trick us)
  • Even legendary 'clutch' performers (like Michael Jordan) statistically perform worse under pressure.

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