ReThinking The science of performing under pressure with Sian Beilock
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Mar 28, 2023 
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.
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Sian's Choking Experience
- Sian Beilock's interest in choking stemmed from personal experiences as an athlete and student.
- She underperformed in high-stakes situations, like soccer tryouts and the SAT, despite preparation.
Choking Is Not Fixed
- Choking is performing worse than expected due to pressure, not a fixed trait.
- We can all choke or thrive, so anyone can learn to perform better under stress.
Overthinking Causes Choking
- Anxiety and stress, coupled with self-doubt, can lead to overthinking and attempts to control performance.
- This disrupts the automatic processes that usually guide skilled performance, causing choking.