3600 Miller Road Flint, MI 48503
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
THIS ISSUE Inside
Legacy in Motion: Handing Down Heart, Hustle, and Meaning
Keep Moving Despite Health Challenges
Client Success Stories
Play Smart, Stay Strong: Preventive PT Tips for Fall Sports
Vegan Poblanos Rellenos
New Research on Performing When It Counts
WHY SOME ATHLETES CHOKE AND OTHERS DON’T THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLUTCH
Some athletes come alive at the most crucial moments, but others fall apart when the spotlight is on. So, what actually separates those who thrive under pressure from those who choke?
They also focused their attention on the task. They didn’t worry about the crowd or the outcome, just what needed to happen in the moment. Many athletes said they framed high-pressure moments as challenges rather than threats. They kept their mental effort where it mattered most, even when everything around them felt chaotic. Those traits don’t just appear out of nowhere. Athletes can build them using deliberate strategies. Things like pre-performance routines, mental imagery, and self-talk help train the mind to stay steady despite external stressors. Goal-setting and cognitive restructuring (learning to think differently about pressure) also made a difference. Simulated pressure training was another standout strategy. When athletes practiced in high-stress scenarios, they often carried that composure into real competition, allowing them to show up calm when it counted. The big idea here is that pressure doesn’t have to derail performance. In fact, with the right habits and preparation, athletes can learn to rise to the occasion. That matters for sports, but it’s not limited to athletes. Anyone who performs under stress — students, speakers, performers — can benefit from the same mental skills. Pressure will always be part of the game, but how you prepare for it can change the outcome.
That question led researchers to comb through nearly 30 studies on performance. Instead of crunching numbers, they analyzed interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists — people with firsthand experience of what it feels like to compete when the stakes are highest. The findings point to traits that often show up
in clutch performers. Confidence, or more
precisely, self-efficacy, stood out. Athletes who believed they could handle the
moment were more likely to do so.
4
horizonptflint.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator