Strategies for Performance Anxiety

Transforming performance anxiety into excitement is one effective approach. By recognizing anxiety as the body's natural preparation for performance, individuals can frame these feelings positively. If this reframing feels insincere, a second strategy involves accepting nerves and awaiting the moment to engage fully in the task. This concept likens anxiety to the experience of a runner waiting for the starting signal; by acknowledging the discomfort but focusing on the action once it begins, individuals can minimize stress. Normalizing the experience of anxiety and reminding oneself that it is common can further enhance performance. These strategies emphasize adaptability, acceptance, and the understanding that anxiety can coexist with readiness.