The science of performing under pressure with Sian Beilock
Mar 28, 2023
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Sian Beilock, a cognitive scientist and the first woman president of Dartmouth College, dives into the intricate psychology of performing under pressure. She discusses why individuals sometimes choke in critical situations and how anxiety drives this behavior. Sian emphasizes the importance of preparation and self-talk in managing performance anxiety, drawing inspiration from elite athletes like Simone Biles. Additionally, she explores the nuances of academic leadership and the value of collaboration and resilience for personal growth.
Excessive control over actions disrupts performance under pressure, training in realistic conditions improves outcomes.
Embracing discomfort leads to growth, adaptability, and resilience, challenging preconceived notions fosters self-awareness.
Deep dives
The Psychology of Choking and Performance Under Pressure
Sian Bailak, a cognitive scientist and president of Barnard College at Columbia University, discusses her expertise in the psychology of choking and performance under pressure. She explains that choking is not exclusive to certain individuals and can affect anyone under high-stress situations. In her research, Bailak has found that individuals often try to exert excessive control over their actions during moments of pressure, disrupting their natural autopilot mode. She emphasizes the importance of training and preparing under conditions that mimic the actual performance environment to mitigate anxiety and improve performance. Bailak also offers strategies to manage anxiety in the moment, such as reframing self-talk, embracing discomfort, and focusing on the present. She dispels the notion of a dichotomy between leaders and followers, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability in various roles. Overall, Bailak's research underscores the potential for growth and learning through embracing discomfort and overcoming self-doubt.
The Benefits of Doubt and Embracing Discomfort
Sian Bailak believes that doubt and discomfort can be catalysts for growth and development. Doubt allows individuals to take feedback, seek different perspectives, and learn from their experiences. By acknowledging self-doubt, leaders and individuals can remain open to learning and continuously improving. Bailak emphasizes the importance of practicing self-compassion and setting boundaries to manage the negative impact of self-doubt. She also highlights the significance of embracing discomfort, as it can lead to personal and professional growth. Bailak encourages individuals to challenge preconceived notions, be open to different perspectives, and develop a sense of self-awareness. Embracing discomfort enables individuals to become more adaptable, resilient, and receptive to diverse viewpoints.
The Power of Narrating Your Own Story
Sian Bailak encourages individuals to construct their own narrative and play their entire movie rather than fixating on individual setbacks. She cautions against focusing solely on recent failures and urges individuals to reflect on past accomplishments and successes as well. Bailak reminds individuals to narrate their story by highlighting the positive aspects of their journey and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Playing the entire movie allows individuals to maintain perspective, cultivate optimism, and develop a growth mindset. By acknowledging the broader context of their experiences, individuals can navigate challenges with resilience and foster a sense of self-confidence.
Leadership and the Importance of Understanding Organizational Culture
Sian Bailak shares insights on leadership and its connection to understanding organizational culture. She emphasizes the significance of leaders having a deep awareness of an organization's culture, challenges, and opportunities. Bailak highlights the importance of taking the time to build relationships, earn trust, and gain buy-in from team members before implementing a vision or strategy. She emphasizes the need for leaders to focus on learning, asking thoughtful questions, and seeking multiple perspectives. Bailak also underscores the value of leveraging the expertise and diverse talents of the team members to achieve success. By valuing multiple viewpoints and understanding organizational dynamics, leaders can effectively inspire change and drive organizational growth.
Sian Beilock is a cognitive scientist who specializes in why we choke under pressure. She’s also the first woman to be elected President of Dartmouth College. Sian shares with Adam her unique perspective on delivering results in high-stress environments, the value of sitting with discomfort, and strategies for guarding against performance anxiety. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
