I read an interesting article lately about what it takes to keep cool under pressure:
http://www.slate.com/id/2287216/pagenum/all/#p2
Apparently, about 10% of the population is born (pre-destined) with the gift of being able to react while under pressure, 10% freaks out, and the rest of us just become sheep-like. But for those of us who are not so fortunate to be born with the ability to think clearly under fire, the article goes onto say that there is hope.
First, there is training: "the most effective single thing we can do is to practice the task under realistic conditions until it becomes second nature".
And then there's your overall outlook in life, "Study after study has shown that people who function well under stress share several core beliefs: They tend to see times of change and uncertainty not as dangerous but as exciting opportunities; they focus on what they can do to improve a stressful situation, rather than growing helpless; and they maintain a sense of commitment to the world around them, instead of withdrawing."
1 comment:
that's a cool article. it's interesting to know why people react so differently in similar situations. and also, give insights into why some people tend to be more conservative and others more progressive. but importantly, it also suggests that our behavior can be trained and changed. and also, that fear is a driving force in everyone's life.
as a kid, i was pretty fearless, then in adolescence i became fearful, and now i'm learning to roll with my fears and see how far i can get on in spite of them. after the initial shock, i think: how can i make this situation better?(or cope with a sense of humor) before something big, i get very anxious (like not being able to sleep the night before) and prepare (mentally, physically, and materially) the best i can, then when the moment comes...try to deal with it. caught in an uncomfortable situation, i get encouragement from ghandi's words: be the change you wish to see in the world.
yes, i have always known it to be true, i'm cool because of genetic and environmental factors! haha.
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