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A Cognitive Scientist Reveals Why We Choke Under Pressure and How to Avoid It

Cognitive scientist and president of Barnard College Sian Beilock discusses how we "get in our own way" when it matters most and shares strategies to help prepare for success when the stakes are high.

learn more about Amanda Breen

By Amanda Breen • Originally published

Courtesy of Barnard College

Few experiences are more frustrating: You spend hours, days, or weeks preparing for a high-pressure moment — a presentation, an interview, a client pitch — and when it finally arrives, stress and anxiety get the best of you.

Instead of giving the performance you know you're capable of, you "choke."

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Leadership Executive Performance Pitching Pitching Investors Public Speaking Success Strategies High Performance pressure

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