In the tradition of Steven Pinker''s How the Mind Works, popular psychologist Sian Beilock, an expert on performance and brain science, reveals the astonishing new science of why we choke under pressure. She explains what happens in the body and mind when everything clicks and the perfect golf swing, tricky mathematical problem, or high-pressure business pitch suddenly become easy.
With surprising insights on every page, Beilock examines how: attention and working memory guide human performance; how experience and practice, innate factors, and brain development interact to create our abilities;how these interconnected elements react to stress - explaining counterintuitive realities, like why the cleverest students do worst on standardized tests; why we may learn foreign languages best when we''re not paying attention; why early childhood athletic training can backfire; and how our emotions can make us both smarter and dumber.the mind and body are in even closer communication than was ever thought - and breaks new ground on top of 30 years of integrative health investigations.
Industry Reviews
In this marvellous book, Beilock will tell you how, as she reveals the mental secrets to performing under pressure. -- Jonah Lehrer
If you aspire to be cool under maximum pressure (and who doesn't?), Beilock offers smart tips. * Time Magazine *
This informative book teaches us when less can be more, in sports, in exams, and other areas where performance under stress is critical. Its engaging real-world examples offer the reader a wealth of useful and challenging insights into how our brain functions when the heat is on. * Gerd Gigerenzer, author of Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious *
Readable explanations for why we choke and valuable suggestions for what we can do to get through a make-or-break moment with a better chance of success. -- Wall Street Journal
A wonderful exploration of what happens inside when you choke on the outside. Essential for anyone who has, or plans, to compete, and especially for those who have choked. * Andrew Newberg, M.D., co-author of How God Changes Your Brain and Born to Believe *
Do you want to hit better shots on the golf course? Score higher on the SAT? Get less nervous before speaking in public? In this marvelous book, Sian Beilock will tell you how, as she reveals the mental secrets to performing under pressure. -- Jonah Lehrer, author of How We Decide and Proust Was a Neuroscientist.
When do we thrive under pressure? When is it better to stop thinking about what we are doing and simply do it? This informative book teaches us when less can be more, in sports, in exams, and other areas where performance under stress is critical. Its engaging real-world examples offer the reader a wealth of useful and challenging insights into how our brain functions when the heat is on. * Gerd Gigerenzer, author of Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious. *
Choke is required reading for anyone who has to perform under pressure. Beilock takes you on a riveting tour of the science of success, with an insider's insights into what it means for the real-world challenges of business, sports, and education. Beilock gives you the tools to make your brain choke-proof and rise to any challenge. * Kelly McGonigal, PhD, author of The Science of Willpower. *
Choke is an important, fascinating book. Everyone who is looking for optimal performance would benefit from reading it and implementing its principles. * Daniel G. Amen, MD, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Body *
Dr. Sian Belock is one of the world's leading researchers in human performance. In her book Choke, she explains with great insight the scientific underpinnings involved in individual triumph and failure--whether these take place in the world of sports, academics or business. The reader is arrives at a rich understanding of why and when people choke and more importantly how to achieve one's best in the competitive world. Choke is destined to be a classic in the world of human performance and is a must read for those who seek excellence in all domains of life. * Michael Lardon M.D., Sport Psychiatrist and author of Finding Your Zone. *
A fascinating look into the science of why so many of us collapse under pressure. * Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and A Whole New Mind *
Feature. * GQ Magazine *
Read it, especially if you work in education or are training to teach. * Independent on Sunday *
