For many competitors – performance is a double-edged sword – as there is a fine line between excitement and anxiety. So, how can we perform at our best and put the negativity to rest? Arnold Scwartzenegger was a ferocious competitor – and now he’s sharing his insight on how to turn in the performance of your life. So, what’s Arnold’s secret for peak performance? Let’s get into this…
As a competitor myself…
I know how nerve wracking it can be to put yourself out there in front of the world and try to win something you’re passionate about.
I’ve been competing since I was 6-years-old…
From t-ball, to baseball, to football, to pro wrestling to Brazilian jiu jitsu – it seems that competition has been the ONLY constant in my life.
That being said…
There even for me – there have been times where I wasn’t able to control my emotions.
The pressure we put on ourselves is UNREAL…
And far outweighs the pressure or expectations of others – which often leads to poor performance and loss.
We can be our own worst enemy…
But we don’t have to.
There are techniques and practices we can follow that will not only ensure that our own brains don’t trip us up…
But could have us performing to the best of our ability.
Do you compete?
Of course you do…
Even if you’re not doing so for a prize.
We compete DAILY in the gym, on the courts, on the golf course – with our friends or even people just in our periphery – we all compete.
So, how do we ensure we get peak performance and not let our BRAIN get in the way?
Well, let’s see what Arnold says on the matter.
Arnold’s Secret For Peak Performance
Arnold Schwarzenegger – the legendary bodybuilder, actor and former governor – once said, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
And he’s absolutely right…
In the world of performance – whether it’s lifting weights or facing life’s greatest challenges – Schwarzenegger’s words echo a profound truth.
We all encounter moments when anxiety and emotion threaten to take the reins – and steer us away from success…
But here’s the kicker: you can turn that anxiety into a powerful fuel for performance.
Arnold wasn’t always the apex predator on the posting stage…
But he became one by turning his struggles into strength.
If he can do it…
WE can do it.
We just need a little help…
And a plan.
The Science of Performance
When it comes to figuring out the best techniques to overcome performance-based anxiety…
It’s best to turn to the experts.
So, what do the eggheads have to say?
Well, research from UCLA suggests that acknowledging your emotions – rather than sweeping them under the rug – is the key to mastering those nerve-wracking moments.
In the study, subjects were asked to picture themselves in a scenario like giving an impromptu speech in front of a crowd of strangers.
Half the participants in the study were told to label their emotions, such as “I feel tightness in my chest” or “I feel angst in my throat” – while the other half went about their business without any special instructions.
Guess who fared better?
Those who felt and labeled their emotions – a technique known as “affect labeling” – experienced significantly less stress and felt more at ease during their speeches.
It might sound counterintuitive…
But owning your insecurity is the secret sauce here.
Identifying your emotions – especially the uncomfortable ones – reduces their power over you.
Weird, right?
So, what’s the best way to identify your emotions?
The Four Pillars Of Performance
So, now we know that identifying our emotions – giving them a name – weakens their hold on our psyche…
Setting us free to perform at the top of our ability.
What’s the best way to go about that?
I’m no psychology expert – and to my knowledge – neither is Arnold…
But lucky for us – there are people out there who are – like professional coach and University of Michigan faculty member, Brad Stulberg.
Over his years in studying the human mind and performance – Stulberg has figured out a set of tenets that can help you reach your maximum potential while removing that nagging doubt from our brain.
He calls it the “4 P’s” – and it’s a battle-tested protocol for conquering life’s biggest moments…
Especially when anxiety, stress or overpowering emotions rear their heads.
Here they are.
1. Pause: Before you do anything else, take a deep breath or two.
Gather yourself. It’s like a momentary timeout to regain your footing.
2. Process: Label those emotions. Tell yourself, “This is what’s happening right now, and I’m doing the best I can.”
Recognizing your feelings is the first step to taming them.
3. Plan: Once you’ve collected yourself, devise a plan for moving forward.
Consider the resources and skills you can bring to the situation at hand. Strategize.
4. Proceed: Only after you’ve completed the first three steps should you take action.
Arnold Schwarzenegger would undoubtedly agree with this approach.
Responding – as Stulberg wisely puts it – “is harder than reacting.”
It demands more energy and self-control – but it’s where true strength lies.
Schwarzenegger himself once noted, “Responding is harder than reacting.”
It requires restraint and a willingness to let the urge to do something, anything – linger without giving in.
But in the end…
It’s often the most rewarding choice.
You rarely regret a deliberate response to a challenging situation…
Whereas knee-jerk reactions can lead to regrets.
So…
What’s The Secret To Peak Performance?
The secret, it seems – is to RECOGNIZE the emotions you’re feeling and to RESPOND to them…
Not react.
Reaction should happen in the heat of the competition – not before.
If you want to perform to the best of your abilities – you have to name your fears…
Acknowledge them – and then – you can move past them with a plan.
It’s honestly just a bit of stoicism…
Recognize, acknowledge and move on.
Release the emotions that aren’t serving you…
By identifying them and removing their power.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
So, embrace your anxiety, label your emotions and let them fuel your performance…
That’s how you turn life’s challenges into your greatest strengths.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Will Durant
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