Top Dog

Feeling the Pressure

Performers typically devote countless hours to practicing and perfecting their crafts. Yet their success does not depend on preparation, but on how they react to pressure. A study held at a German ballroom dance competition revealed through chemical analysis of saliva samples that even expert, experienced dancers reacted intensely to stress. In fact, in an unrelated experiment involving first-time skydivers, saliva samples indicated that the parachutists felt less anxiety than the dancers, even though the skydivers were at risk physically. The major difference between the groups was the element of competition – the dancers were being judged; the skydivers were not. Performing in the spotlight is much more challenging than practicing. Success is determined not only by your skill, but by your ability to overcome fear and handle pressure.

Competition drives society; it fosters innovation and powers financial markets. Ideally, healthy competition teaches sportsmanship, morality and respect. Some view competition negatively, believing it produces antisocial behavior, but opponents usually recognize the rules that regulate competition and understand ...