Performance Mindset: Nerves or Excitement?
“Being nervous isn’t bad; it means something important is happening.”
- Joseph Chilton Pearce
In the high-stakes arena of performance—whether it be in sports, public speaking, or any challenging endeavor two powerful forces often come into play: nerves and pent-up excitement. Understanding the distinction between these emotions can have a significant impact on your performance and overall experience.
With fifty years of involvement in competitive sports, I have witnessed every aspect of the Performance Mindset. From those who had a fear of failure to those who were so prepared they couldn’t wait to get on the field, and every level in between.
Fear of Failure: The Dark Side of Performance
Many times, performance anxiety is earned. This anxiety can always stem back to the preparation that was done during the time leading up to the performance. It may be a concern about oneself or the group that one is working with.
· Lack of Preparation
The most significant contributor to performance anxiety is often a lack of preparation. When individuals do not feel adequately prepared for an event, they become susceptible to self-doubt and anxiety. This unease can manifest in various ways, such as sweaty palms, racing thoughts, or even physical symptoms like nausea.
· Lack of Confidence in Oneself
A significant barrier to optimal performance is a lack of confidence in one’s abilities. When performers doubt their skills or judgment, they are more likely to experience nerves. This self-doubt can lead to second-guessing decisions and ultimately hinder performance.
· Lack of Confidence in Others
Performance anxiety is not solely an internal struggle; it can also arise from uncertainties about teammates or collaborators. If an individual does not trust the competence or reliability of those around them, this can create additional stress, compounding nervous feelings.
Pent-Up Excitement: The Catalyst for Success
Similarly, the preparation one undertakes can also show itself in an eagerness to showcase one's abilities. There is a feeling that lifts a performance to an elite level.
· Excitement for the Event
Conversely, anticipation for an upcoming event can generate positive adrenaline—an eagerness that invigorates rather than paralyzes. The problem is that the body has similar reactions to excitement as it did to the fear of performing. Butterflies in your stomach, your heart rate increases, and your palms might sweat. The ability to recognize these feelings as excitement, that they are a natural response, enables performers to frame their feelings in a positive light rather than lean into fear. I recall that the same feeling I had in the locker room before playing Oklahoma in the 2005 national championship game was the one the team had before beating the Broncos in the 2014 Super Bowl.
· Confidence in Preparation
When individuals invest time and effort into preparation, their confidence swells. Knowing you’ve trained extensively fosters belief in your capabilities, transforming potential nerves into enthusiasm for showcasing your hard work. I attribute a significant portion of our success at USC and Seattle to the way we prepared for games. Our training set the tone for the practices we had, which prepared us better for the games we played. We practiced at full speed, all the way up to the point where a defender hit a ball carrier. When we prepared at the highest level, we were able to practice at the highest level, which, in turn, enabled us to play at the highest level. Our players KNEW they were ready when we arrived at game time, and it showed in the way they played fast and without fear.
· Confidence in Others
Having faith in team members creates a sense of unity and shared purpose. When everyone believes in each other’s abilities and contributions, the collective excitement surges, fueling motivation and driving performance upward. Because we had high-speed practices, each player knew their role within the scheme by the time we reached the game. They knew how it felt and looked when it was right and how to make full-speed corrections when things didn’t fit right. They were able to make these adjustments because they had practiced the same things during the week.
How to Reduce the Negative While Extenuating the Positive
Because a negative mindset brings on anxiety, which is based chiefly on overthinking a situation, it is crucial to ensure that the individual or the team has had all of the negative issues ironed out before the event. Here is a short list of ways to prepare to increase the negative while pumping up the positive.
1. Engage in Effective Preparation:
- Develop structured practice routines.
- Simulate real-life scenarios during training.
- Set measurable goals that pave the way toward success.
2. Shift Your Mindset:
- Reframe nervousness as excitement by focusing on what you look forward to about the event.
- Visualize successful outcomes instead of dwelling on negative possibilities.
3. Build Trust:
- Build relationships with teammates through the preparation phase.
- Communicate openly about roles and expectations, ensuring everyone feels valued and prepared.
4. Practice Mindfulness Techniques:
- Engage in breathing exercises or meditation before performances.
- Use visualization techniques to picture success and calmness during high-pressure situations.
5. Seek Feedback:
- Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement while reinforcing strengths.
- Regular feedback loops instill confidence by highlighting progress over time.
Own the Moment
Navigating the emotional landscape of performance requires understanding both nerves and pent-up excitement. By recognizing fear as something rooted in a lack—whether it be preparation or confidence—we can work towards reducing its grip on us. Conversely, we must learn to harness our excitement as a powerful ally that propels us forward.
As you prepare for your next big moment, embrace those butterflies as signs of vitality rather than threats of failure. Transform your mindset from one driven by fear into one filled with anticipation—and watch as you soar beyond your limits!
Have an amazing day!
