Let's talk choking/poor performance
We blame pressure, as if it's a single cause. But extreme pressure can follow two negative paths:
1-Dissociative response. We shut down. Disconnect
2- Hyperarousal response. Panic, freak out
Each requires different tactics to return to normal
We blame pressure, as if it's a single cause. But extreme pressure can follow two negative paths:
1-Dissociative response. We shut down. Disconnect
2- Hyperarousal response. Panic, freak out
Each requires different tactics to return to normal
Both occur when anxiety and arousal are rising through the roof, and a task is seen as a threat.
In the dissociative response, it's as if we shut off arousal. It's a survival/protective mechanism.
Our brain is overregulating. Trying to force control over emotions/arousal/etc.
In the dissociative response, it's as if we shut off arousal. It's a survival/protective mechanism.
Our brain is overregulating. Trying to force control over emotions/arousal/etc.
The result of overregulation? We disconnect. The extreme version is Simone Biles, where her perception and action disconnected.
Trying harder, to cope/regulate our state backfires when we are in this state.
We need to dislodge, let go, then readjust.
Trying harder, to cope/regulate our state backfires when we are in this state.
We need to dislodge, let go, then readjust.
Over the long haul, for those who are really stuck in this state, that means what I call "doing crazy things."
For athletes, shooting hoops in the dark, putting under water, etc. Dislodging the misconnected perception-action combo. Then reestablishing in a safer environment.
For athletes, shooting hoops in the dark, putting under water, etc. Dislodging the misconnected perception-action combo. Then reestablishing in a safer environment.
The hyperarousal state is the opposite.
It's under regulation. Our emotional and arousal parts of our brain are left to their own devices and allowed to run wild.
The regulation areas in the brain are quiet, turned off.
It's under regulation. Our emotional and arousal parts of our brain are left to their own devices and allowed to run wild.
The regulation areas in the brain are quiet, turned off.
With the hyperarousal state, in the moment we need to create space, to get them to zoom out instead of being locked in on the experience and feelings that come with it.
Space allows you to kick on the regulators. To turn the dial down.
Space allows you to kick on the regulators. To turn the dial down.
For those who suffer more from this variety, it also means training the ability to regulate your emotions and your physiological arousal.
It's a capacity we can train. Mindfulness, doing hard things, modulating attention, etc.
It's a capacity we can train. Mindfulness, doing hard things, modulating attention, etc.
It's tricky to deal with performance disruptors. It's akin to trauma. And I'm simplifying a lot.
But as you watch world class athletes like @MikaelaShiffrin, have empathy and understanding. They are still tough, great performers.
Their body just temporarily got in the way.
But as you watch world class athletes like @MikaelaShiffrin, have empathy and understanding. They are still tough, great performers.
Their body just temporarily got in the way.
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