What is performance anxiety? You tell me, because it is an immensely personal, for lack of a better term, “condition.” It occurs in different areas of peoples lives and manifests in a myriad of forms and to varying degrees. An ever so pervasive self-perpetuated inhibitive human hurdle. Whether it be sports, public speaking or relationships, most members of the human race can identify with this experience. It is an unpleasant affliction that is ever so challenging to avoid. A cure thus far evasive, the only solution one of continuing personal commitment. Your anxiety is catered to you, so design a solution that works just for you.
Anxiety, stress: It’s our life as students, as humans. There is a seemingly never-ending stream of stress-inducing tasks or circumstances thrown at us. Life really can feel like one of those classic dodge ball scenes from old sitcoms. You: geeky, lanky, weak. Standing by yourself, staring, paralyzed. Across from you seven large and angry -looking guys, shoulders twice as broad as yours, legs the size of tree trunks. Each one holding a red ball between his mitt-sized, powerful hands. No team members and no balls left on your side of the court. A volley of heavy, rough missiles are flung at every bit of you.
It’s not fair, but that’s often what we’re up against. As students this is compounded with the anxiety of making long-term life decisions, having homework and presentations, speeches and interviews, sports games and new social experiences.
Is it hard to breathe, are your hands sweaty, your knees shaky, stomach in knots, arms immobilized, mind racing in a downward spiral? Finding yourself incapacitated in any of these ways is immensely disturbing, a feeling that is multiplied by having it enacted in front of an audience.
Psychology Today recognizes that an emphasis on “performance” is the root of all problems. It is the identification of dissonance between the “audience” and yourself as the “performer” rather than acknowledgement of the reciprocal nature of the experience, that causes such anxiety. The author Jennifer Hamady writes, “As we make our way to the stage, the wall of separation rises and the opportunity for communion and connection instantly transform into a profound sense of self-absorbed isolation.” The article suggests that if we can engage with these situations as no different than participating in a wedding or concert we can overcome this enduring predicament.
We all know just how much the saying “Easier said than done” applies here. It certainly isn’t easy, but it is important to recognize that we are personally responsible for some of the perpetuation of our own condition. It takes an immense amount of accountability, commitment and exposure therapy to work on this issue. If this is something that is restraining you from participating in life as fully or in the ways that you so desire, you have to take the reigns.
Sarah Johnson, a second year student and a former professional skier, spoke of her own method of taming the anxiety beast. For all of her competitions, she would carry with her a small object that enabled her to focus on what was real and what was a construction of her mind. To this day, even among those situation we can all relate to such as important exams or presentations, she finds it helpful.
As with so many human conditions, there is no avoiding it and not really any one right answer. This is all about self-reflexivity and determination to find a personal solution to minimize, not eliminate, the anxiety. My solutions vary; sometimes it’s cornering myself into having to do something or occasionally stopping all thoughts. For Johnson, it is her meditation marble. Will Helling is another second -year student who encounters performance anxiety in both his academic career in the business school and as a member of the intramural basketball, flag-football and kickball teams. His coping mechanism is simply thinking of anything but what he’s doing. Think about your personal solution; it might not be a cure-all, but it could help. Strive for that.
