Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most

I have read several books on how to handle stress, pressure, on how to reach your goals. I have to admit that this book is different. Firstly, all the information in the book is bolstered by an evidence. One time it is a science research, another time it is a method used with a success by a leader in a certain field (for example a method used by a top basketball player). Secondly, the authors are not fostering the myth of self-esteem being the most important part of the equation. They state it explicitly that they do not agree with this omnipresent couching statement. This may be a disadvantage for some of the readers though. It is not a book for people who seek an easy and painless solution. The book is divided into 3 parts. The first one is an introduction to the book, the second one is a set of short-term pressure solutions, and the last one, my favourite, is on how to build a robust confidence and tenacity. I own a Kindle version and an audiobook. I recommend them both. The quality of an audio version is excellent.

This is an amazing read and a book that you will return to throughout. The book is transformational. I personally have mastered managing pressure because of the insights and tactics that Dr. Weisinger shares in this book. As an executive coach and author, I continue to reference Dr. Weisinger's teaching in my coaching practice. His work is for all stages of development -- even school-age children benefit from knowing what pressure is and managing it! Get a copy, it is well worth the investment. What the title says is the result that you will achieve. Thank you, Dr. Hendrie Weisinger for such a profound gift!

I had life long perceptions challenged by this book but for the most part, it had enough research behind the theories that it all made sense. I was disappointed in all the needless references to evolution because there were obvious alternative possibilities but beyond that heavy tilt which was almost literally on every page. This agenda of making everything repeatedly tied to atheistic evolution spoiled my enjoyment. The constant repetition of this theme was very distracting and totally necessary. It was pervasive throughout the book. When I was done reading it I felt I had read a book on evolution with well researched data on how to perform under pressure thrown in.

i must face pressure everyday with my job as a salesman. Also as a competitive golfer and basketball player, I also experience some nerve movement specifically on the putting green. What The author does so well is educate his readers on the academics of pressure and how to face it head on. However, his book reads more like a a series of mini stories than an academic book which makes it such an enjoyable read. His theory of pressure and methodology to tackling it have been incredibly helpful with the daily life pressures I experience. Highly suggested read for everyone since pressure is a feeling that we all experience in our lives.

Great wealth of knowledge here in this book. The three parts each have their own unique mission in teaching about Pressure. Each can be read on their own depending on what you are looking for. Part 1 is all about understanding the effects of pressure and what it is. Second is about quick fix solutions for an impending pressure situation. Part 3 is their COTE of armor, or long term solutions for someone who faces chronic pressure and wants to thrive instead of just survive. I read this with a sibling for the benefits of both sections 2 and 3, but we read the book for cover to cover. A lot of the techniques overlap, but in a educational way that induces a major mindset change when approaching pressure. The book also does a great job of breaking down the jargon, or explaining it in a smooth way, despite having a very strong empirical DNA as the primary means of finding conclusions.

Worth the read - learn the difference between every day stress and real pressure. Tips for working to reduce stress and perform when the moment counts.

Highly recommend this book. I had a 45 minute talk planned about 2 weeks after I bought this book. I needed relief from my performance anxiety and more importantly something to talk me down off the fight or flight ledge. This book truly helped me. The first suggestion it made, and not so obvious I might add, was to simply slow down my thinking. And Guess what? It worked. The book has many super helpful suggestions but that one worked the best for me. The day of my presentation I focused on pacing myself, and during my presentation, I went into autopilot. If I felt myself speeding up, I paused and slowed myself down. I had plenty of time with 45 minutes, there was no need to rush. I've read many books on the "art of public speaking" and I must say this book is at the top of my list. It will help you improve your art of public speaking, as it did mine. I'm confident of this.

If you want to reduce pressure in your life or respond better to the pressure that exists, and isn't going anywhere, this book will help you. Thorough in its citation of the latest research, the book offers dozens of strategies and a simple group of skills that are the foundation of executing with skill under pressure, both in the moment and for the rest of your life.

The science of pressure the book presented makes sense!

Un testo molto utile per tutti i soccorritori, sanitari, vigili del fuoco, ma anche personale delle forze dell'ordine e psicologi dell'emergenza.

Es ist ein klasse Buch! - Hat sehr viele Beispiele - Gibt einem Lösungen zu vielen Problemen - Verwendet auch wissenschaftlich geprüfte Fakten - Lässt sich einfach lesen Kann ich nur empfehlen! It is a great book! - Has a lot of examples - Gives one solutions to real-life situations/problems - Uses scientifically proven facts - Easy to read I can only recommend!!

Et si nous avions tort en considérant que la pression nous rend plus efficaces et plus performants ? Pour l’auteur, c’est une évidence qu’il démontre tout au long de la première partie. Il définit la pression comme la peur d’échouer lorsque nous avons le sentiment, souvent injustifié, que les enjeux sont très importants et que le résultat dépend presque exclusivement de nous. La pression affecte nos facultés cognitives, notre sens de l’éthique, nos capacités de coordination, notre perception de l’environnement. En bref, nous perdons une part parfois importante de notre potentiel, au moment où nous en avons le plus besoin… Pour autant, cela n’a rien d’une fatalité. Nous observons des personnes qui savent mieux que d’autres conserver leurs facultés sous pression. En effet, il existe des stratégies qui permettent de faire face à des situations de pression. L’auteur n’en présente pas moins de 22 dans la deuxième partie ! Elles sont parfois connues, mais elles présentent le mérite d’avoir toutes été validées par des tests de performance. Vous apprendrez ainsi pourquoi serrer une balle antistress dans sa main gauche lorsqu’on est droitier permet de conserver sa créativité sous pression ! Enfin, la dernière partie est consacrée à l’élaboration de la « COTE » de maille qui doit nous protéger des situations difficiles : cultiver la Confiance, l’Optimisme, la Ténacité et l’Enthousiasme aide à réussir même quand le niveau de pression est élevé. Cet ouvrage se caractérise par un bon équilibre d’explications accessibles du fonctionnement de notre cerveau sous pression et de recommandations. Ces dernières sont concrètes, souvent inédites ou contre-intuitives, mais toujours validées, et tout à fait applicables aux environnements professionnels. Vous trouverez probablement des idées d’actions à mettre en œuvre.

Being a bit familiar with EQ I found the book striking a chord, re-iterating familiar points and providing new information. I, personally, like to have an idea what suggested techniques are designed to deal with and the book gives useful details, with constant references to conducted studies. Reading requires efforts although the hardest part comes next - putting theory to work... Five stars in my opinion