You don’t need to calm down to perform. You need a better label.
That edge before a big moment can be fuel, not danger.
This week, I’ve been thinking about a little video of Bonnie enjoying herself in the garden.
She is completely in the moment.
Interested.
Engaged.
Full of energy.
No inner debate.
No “What if this goes wrong?”
No trying to suppress the feeling.
Just energy being used.
Many of us do the opposite before a call, meeting, presentation, or difficult conversation.
We feel the rush in our body and assume something is wrong.
We tell ourselves to calm down.
We fight the very energy that could help us show up well.
But the research from Dr Alison Wood Brooks offers a different approach.
Her work suggests that when we reframe anxiety as excitement, we often do better than when we try to force ourselves to relax. The physical sensations are often very similar.
A racing heart.
More alertness.
A surge of energy.
The difference is the label.
Same body. New label.
So instead of saying:
“I need to calm down.”
try:
“I’m excited because this matters.”
“I’m excited because I care about doing this well.”
“I’m excited because this is a chance to contribute.”
That nervous energy is not always a warning sign.
Sometimes it is readiness in disguise.
This week’s move:
Before a call or important task, say:
“I’m excited because _____.”
Then begin.
You can also find the full mini-course on my website in the Courses section
Where could you turn nerves into momentum this week?
All the best
Julie
