Performance Anxiety: Breaking Free from Performance Pressure

Do you experience overwhelming anxiety when you need to perform or demonstrate your abilities? Whether it's giving a presentation, competing in sports, performing on stage, or taking a test, performance anxiety can prevent you from showing your true capabilities and reaching your full potential.

What is Performance Anxiety?

Performance anxiety, also known as stage fright or performance fear, occurs when fear and nervous energy interfere with your ability to perform tasks under observation or pressure. While some nervous energy can enhance performance, excessive anxiety can be debilitating and impact your success.

Signs and Symptoms

Physical Symptoms:

• Racing heart before or during performance

• Trembling hands or shaking

• Dry mouth and difficulty speaking

• Sweating excessively

• Nausea or stomach issues

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle tension

• Vision changes or tunnel vision

• Voice changes or trembling

Mental and Emotional Signs:

• Mind going blank during performance

• Difficulty concentrating

• Racing thoughts

• Fear of failure

• Perfectionist thinking

• Anticipatory anxiety

• Self-doubt and criticism

• Memory lapses

• Loss of confidence

Impact on Different Areas of Life

Professional Impact:

• Limited career advancement

• Missed presentation opportunities

• Underperformance in interviews

• Difficulty showcasing skills

• Reduced leadership opportunities

• Workplace stress and anxiety

• Career path limitations

Performance Areas Affected:

• Public speaking and presentations

• Artistic performances (music, dance, theater)

• Sports and athletic competition

• Academic testing and examinations

• Job interviews and work evaluations

• Creative expression

• Professional demonstrations

• Auditions and tryouts

Understanding Performance Anxiety's Roots

Common causes include:

• Past negative performance experiences

• High personal expectations

• Perfectionist tendencies

• Critical early feedback

• Traumatic performance experiences

• Learned behavior from role models

• Fear of judgment or evaluation

• Pressure from others

• Competition trauma

• Identity attachment to performance

Performance anxiety is also very normal - as humans we’re primed to fear the negative judgement of others. It’s likely we will eer eradicate all anxiety, but bring it down to an amount that feels manageable.