You 2.0: Overcoming Stage Fright

This Hidden Brain podcast episode explores the phenomenon of "choking under pressure," using examples from sports, academics, and even presidential inaugurations. The interview with psychologist Sian Beilock details how pressure impacts working memory, causing even highly skilled individuals to underperform on simple tasks. Beilock explains that the key is not to stop caring, but to learn techniques like practicing under pressure, reframing anxious feelings as excitement, and using mental distractions to manage working memory. The episode concludes by emphasizing that choking is not solely an individual problem but is also influenced by societal and environmental factors, suggesting the need for structural changes to support individuals in high-pressure situations. A practical takeaway is to practice performing under pressure to improve performance in high-stakes situations.