Do I Choke Under Pressure?

Do you feel panicky?

Has your appetite changed (i.e., increased or decreased)?

Are you getting ill easily?

Are you feeling tired?

Have you lost your libido?

Do you only imagine negative outcomes?

Do you extremely exaggerate the significance of your pressure moments?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that you choke under pressure. That, of course, is a good sign! In today’s world, we all work under pressure. It’s important to know how to handle pressure the right way to stay healthy and perform well at work or school. It’s a key to anyone’s future success. Pressure is an interesting thing, because for some people it makes them nervous. These people will under-perform and make sloppy mistakes. For others, pressure increases their focus and performance. How you perceive a situation can influence how you think, feel and perform during it!

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs of cracking under pressure. For some people, pressure makes them nervous while for others it increases focus and performance. It seems to be your interpretation that matters, so how you react to pressure is a personal choice. There are solutions to your problem. First you may practice visualization: remember times you did your best and focus on those successes. Besides, try to view stressful situations as an opportunity instead of a crisis and use breathing techniques to access your best cognitive thinking.

Unfortunately, you are displaying various signs typically seen among individuals who crack under pressure. In general, pressure is a sense of urgency that all of us must endure at varying levels throughout our lives. Some people become more concentrated under pressure, while others crack and under-perform. For people who don’t deal well with pressure it may be important to take this problem seriously, and work towards a stronger mental fitness. Make sure to get enough sleep, avoid alcohol and do brain stimulating activities. Mindfulness may help too, as well as and visualizing yourself succeeding. Reframe your thinking patterns. Know how to handle pressure well and stay healthy and happy.