Flip the Script on Performance Anxiety:
Turn Anxiety into Excitement
Have you ever stood on the verge of doing something big—a presentation, a game, a meeting—and felt your palms sweat, your heart race, and wondered if you were feeling excited or just plain nervous? If so, you’re not alone. Most of us confuse these emotions, but what if we could harness that nervous energy and turn it into excitement?
It’s All in How You Frame It
Years ago, I was giving a talk to a small group of executives—just 15 people. Strangely enough, this smaller group made me more nervous than speaking in front of hundreds. As I got ready, my heart was racing, my hands shaking, and despite being well-prepared, I was jittery.
Then, in the middle of my presentation, I spilled a Diet Dr. Pepper all over my materials! At that moment, I had two choices: let this mess derail everything or laugh it off. I chose laughter, and something amazing happened. The worry vanished. The situation shifted, and what could have been a disaster became a moment of connection.
That’s when I realized: anxiety and excitement feel the same physically. It’s all about how we interpret the sensations. Both emotions trigger the same responses in the body—sweaty palms, a racing heart, a surge of adrenaline—but the difference lies in the meaning we attach to those feelings.
Reframe the Story
The next time you feel that knot in your stomach, instead of saying, “I’m anxious,” try saying, “I’m excited.” Shift the internal dialogue from “I’m nervous” to “I’m ready.” Our brains love to trick us into thinking the worst: that we’ll fail, be judged, or embarrass ourselves. But by flipping the script, you can transform those thoughts into fuel for success.
Here’s how:
Recognize the Sensations: Instead of panicking when you feel your heart race, acknowledge the physical signs without judgment.
Talk to Yourself, Don’t Listen: Rather than letting your brain run wild with negative scenarios, remind yourself that these sensations mean you’re prepared for something great.
Focus on the Opportunity: Every time you feel anxious, think of it as a sign that you’re stepping into an opportunity to grow, learn, and shine.
Take Control of Your Feelings
In moments of pressure—before a big meeting or an important event—our emotions can either hold us back or push us forward. It’s not about avoiding nerves but learning to embrace and reframe them. The next time you feel anxious, remind yourself that it’s your body’s way of gearing up for something amazing.
So, my challenge for you is this: the next time your nerves kick in, pause, breathe, and flip the script. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in how you feel and how you show up.
