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Choke

What the secrets of the brain reveal about getting it right when you have to

Identity
Throw Those Nasty Thoughts Away

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on January 16, 2013

We all have unwanted thoughts from time to time. They often pop up when they are least wanted — mental chatter that takes us away from the present moment. It might seem impossible to rid our minds of these unwanted thoughts, especially when they are of the negative variety. But, there are some simple things we can do to quiet our minds.

We all have unwanted thoughts from time to time. They often pop up when they are least wanted — mental chatter that takes us away from the present moment. It might seem impossible to rid our minds of these unwanted thoughts, especially when they are of the negative variety. But, there are some simple things we can do to quiet our minds.

Anxiety
When Math Hurts

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on November 21, 2012

It’s no secret that a lot of people dislike math. Whether it's calculating a tip on a restaurant bill or being called up to the board to work out a problem in school, these activities can send folks into a panic.

It’s no secret that a lot of people dislike math. Whether it's calculating a tip on a restaurant bill or being called up to the board to work out a problem in school, these activities can send folks into a panic.

Stress
How You Hold Your Body Impacts Stress Levels

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on October 24, 2012

On the surface, it might seem odd to think the expressions we produce outwardly could influence how we feel inwardly. Most people assume that it’s the mind that controls the body, not the other way around. But it turns out there are strong connections running from the body to the mind, with some surprising consequences.

On the surface, it might seem odd to think the expressions we produce outwardly could influence how we feel inwardly. Most people assume that it’s the mind that controls the body, not the other way around. But it turns out there are strong connections running from the body to the mind, with some surprising consequences.

Attention
Want To Be Creative? Let Your Mind Wander

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on October 10, 2012

Whether at work, school, or in everyday life, we often encounter situations where thinking outside-the-box is necessary. But, you just never know when creative thoughts will arise. Fortunately, new research has uncovered the very conditions that give rise to creativity.

Whether at work, school, or in everyday life, we often encounter situations where thinking outside-the-box is necessary. But, you just never know when creative thoughts will arise. Fortunately, new research has uncovered the very conditions that give rise to creativity.

Anxiety
The Power of Expressing Yourself

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on September 19, 2012

People always say it’s good to put “your feelings into words.” But is it true? If you are anxious, scared, or worried about something, is it really going to make you feel better to dwell on this anxiety by speaking or writing about it? It turns out the answer is "yes."

People always say it’s good to put “your feelings into words.” But is it true? If you are anxious, scared, or worried about something, is it really going to make you feel better to dwell on this anxiety by speaking or writing about it? It turns out the answer is "yes."

Sport and Competition
For Olympians and Ordinary People Alike, Mindset Matters

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on August 6, 2012

The unexpected second place finish on the vault yesterday for McKayla Maroney highlights a basic truth about sports. Whether athletes choke or shine is often driven by their minds as much as their muscles.

The unexpected second place finish on the vault yesterday for McKayla Maroney highlights a basic truth about sports. Whether athletes choke or shine is often driven by their minds as much as their muscles.

Resilience
Why Fearing Failure Begets Failure

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on May 16, 2012

Our performance is often linked to financial incentives. This is certainly true in the business world where employers regularly make payment contingent on workers’ performance or productivity.

Our performance is often linked to financial incentives. This is certainly true in the business world where employers regularly make payment contingent on workers’ performance or productivity.

Stage Fright
The Fear of Public Speaking

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on April 25, 2012

Giving a presentation to a room-full of people or just voicing your opinion in a meeting can be a nerve-wracking experience. Even if you are prepared, have made notes, or practiced your introduction, once you are on the spot, it’s pretty easy to get unnerved.

Giving a presentation to a room-full of people or just voicing your opinion in a meeting can be a nerve-wracking experience. Even if you are prepared, have made notes, or practiced your introduction, once you are on the spot, it’s pretty easy to get unnerved.

Alcoholism
Alcohol Benefits the Creative Process

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on April 4, 2012

Whether it’s in terms of artistic products, scientific discoveries, or business innovations, creative accomplishments drive advancement.

Whether it’s in terms of artistic products, scientific discoveries, or business innovations, creative accomplishments drive advancement.

Placebo
Dealing With the Pain of Social Exclusion

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on March 7, 2012

On the surface, the pain of being excluded seems pretty different from physical pain, but it turns out that these experiences share a common biological basis in the brain.

On the surface, the pain of being excluded seems pretty different from physical pain, but it turns out that these experiences share a common biological basis in the brain.

Memory
Why Your Best Ideas Come When You Least Expect It

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on February 8, 2012

Not all tasks require working memory for success. In fact, sometimes people's ability to think about information in new and unusual ways can actually be hampered when they wield too much brainpower. This means that what we think of as our optimal time of day may not be optimal for everything.

Not all tasks require working memory for success. In fact, sometimes people's ability to think about information in new and unusual ways can actually be hampered when they wield too much brainpower. This means that what we think of as our optimal time of day may not be optimal for everything.

Cognition
Parents: Your Words Matter

Sian Beilock Ph.D. on November 16, 2011

Simply put, what parents say and do matters. O.K., its perhaps not new news that parents can model language and behavior for their kids. But, what is surprising, is the extent of this parental impact.

Simply put, what parents say and do matters. O.K., its perhaps not new news that parents can model language and behavior for their kids. But, what is surprising, is the extent of this parental impact.

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November 2024
The Perfectionism Trap

When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we’re honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we’re really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires.

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