Jakarta, ThedailyID — Have you ever practiced something countless times, only to suddenly make a mistake when the pressure is on? This phenomenon is known as “choking,” when a person fails to perform despite having the skills and experience needed to succeed.
According to TED-Ed in a video titled How to Stay Calm Under Pressure, choking is common in situations where performance depends on crucial moments, from competitive sports and public speaking to music and academic competitions.
“Most people intuitively blame it on their nerves, but why does being nervous undermine expert performance?” the video asks.
The explanation largely comes down to focus. One theory suggests that pressure fills the mind with worries, doubts and fears, distracting attention from the task itself. Because the brain can only process a limited amount of information at once, stressful situations can particularly affect tasks that rely heavily on working memory.
Another explanation involves overthinking. Once a skill becomes automatic, consciously monitoring every movement can actually interfere with performance. Research involving golfers, for example, found that focusing too closely on the mechanics of their putting stroke could make their performance worse.
So, how can people avoid choking when it matters most?
The TED-Ed video highlights several strategies, including practicing under stressful conditions, developing a consistent pre-performance routine and focusing on the ultimate goal rather than every individual movement.
“Practice, under pressure, with focus, and with that glorious end goal in sight, makes perfect,” the video concludes, Sunday (30/08).
The video was published by TED-Ed and features research presented by Noa Kageyama and Pen-Pen Chen.
