Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most Hardcover – February 24, 2015

On of the best books to read on understanding how to perform under pressure.

I have read several books on how to handle stress, pressure, on how to reach your goals. I have to admit that this book is different.Firstly, all the information in the book is bolstered by an evidence. One time it is a science research, another time it is a method used with a success by a leader in a certain field (for example a method used by a top basketball player).Secondly, the authors are not fostering the myth of self-esteem being the most important part of the equation. They state it explicitly that they do not agree with this omnipresent couching statement. This may be a disadvantage for some of the readers though. It is not a book for people who seek an easy and painless solution.The book is divided into 3 parts. The first one is an introduction to the book, the second one is a set of short-term pressure solutions, and the last one, my favourite, is on how to build a robust confidence and tenacity.I own a Kindle version and an audiobook. I recommend them both. The quality of an audio version is excellent.

I had life long perceptions challenged by this book but for the most part, it had enough research behind the theories that it all made sense. I was disappointed in all the needless references to evolution because there were obvious alternative possibilities but beyond that heavy tilt which was almost literally on every page. This agenda of making everything repeatedly tied to atheistic evolution spoiled my enjoyment. The constant repetition of this theme was very distracting and totally necessary. It was pervasive throughout the book. When I was done reading it I felt I had read a book on evolution with well researched data on how to perform under pressure thrown in.

Great wealth of knowledge here in this book. The three parts each have their own unique mission in teaching about Pressure. Each can be read on their own depending on what you are looking for. Part 1 is all about understanding the effects of pressure and what it is. Second is about quick fix solutions for an impending pressure situation. Part 3 is their COTE of armor, or long term solutions for someone who faces chronic pressure and wants to thrive instead of just survive. I read this with a sibling for the benefits of both sections 2 and 3, but we read the book for cover to cover. A lot of the techniques overlap, but in a educational way that induces a major mindset change when approaching pressure. The book also does a great job of breaking down the jargon, or explaining it in a smooth way, despite having a very strong empirical DNA as the primary means of finding conclusions.

Highly recommend this book. I had a 45 minute talk planned about 2 weeks after I bought this book. I needed relief from my performance anxiety and more importantly something to talk me down off the fight or flight ledge. This book truly helped me. The first suggestion it made, and not so obvious I might add, was to simply slow down my thinking. And Guess what? It worked. The book has many super helpful suggestions but that one worked the best for me. The day of my presentation I focused on pacing myself, and during my presentation, I went into autopilot. If I felt myself speeding up, I paused and slowed myself down. I had plenty of time with 45 minutes, there was no need to rush. I've read many books on the "art of public speaking" and I must say this book is at the top of my list. It will help you improve your art of public speaking, as it did mine. I'm confident of this.

Worth the read - learn the difference between every day stress and real pressure. Tips for working to reduce stress and perform when the moment counts.

This is an amazing read and a book that you will return to throughout. The book is transformational. I personally have mastered managing pressure because of the insights and tactics that Dr. Weisinger shares in this book. As an executive coach and author, I continue to reference Dr. Weisinger's teaching in my coaching practice. His work is for all stages of development -- even school-age children benefit from knowing what pressure is and managing it! Get a copy, it is well worth the investment. What the title says is the result that you will achieve. Thank you, Dr. Hendrie Weisinger for such a profound gift!

If you want to reduce pressure in your life or respond better to the pressure that exists, and isn't going anywhere, this book will help you. Thorough in its citation of the latest research, the book offers dozens of strategies and a simple group of skills that are the foundation of executing with skill under pressure, both in the moment and for the rest of your life.