Performance anxiety can make capable people question themselves the moment they have to speak, perform, or compete under pressure. But what if nervousness isn't something you need to eliminate?
In this episode of Coaching In Session, Michael Rearden sits down with Dr. David Lee Fish to explore performance anxiety, speech fright, stage fright, mindfulness, and what happens in the body when anxiety takes over. Dr. Fish explains why nervousness is a natural human response and how changing your relationship with anxious thoughts can create a more workable experience.
The conversation also introduces the READ Method, a practical framework built around engagement, acceptance, and detachment to help people stay focused on their core values and the task in front of them.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
- What performance anxiety actually is and where it comes from
- Why the body's threat response can create nervousness
- How adrenaline can affect performance
- Why there is nothing wrong with you for getting nervous
- How mindfulness can help manage anxiety
- Why detaching from anxious thoughts is important
- The difference between accepting nervousness and avoiding it
- How the READ Method can help in high-pressure situations
- Why focusing on the task can improve performance
- How to approach public speaking and performance as a beginner
- Why performance anxiety can be managed rather than simply trying to eliminate it
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Anxiety is a natural human response to perceived threat.
✅ Nervousness does not mean something is wrong with you.
✅ The body's internal protection system is designed to help us respond to perceived danger.
✅ Anxiety can become an opportunity to change how you approach pressure.
✅ Mindfulness can help create distance from anxious thoughts and feelings.
✅ Acceptance can make nervousness more workable rather than turning it into another problem.
✅ Performance anxiety is common and can be managed.
✅ The READ Method provides a structured approach for working with anxiety during performance.
✅ Staying engaged with the task and your core values can help redirect attention away from anxiety.
✅ Starting as a beginner is a necessary part of personal growth and development.
DAVID LEE FISH'S GUEST LINKS
🌐 Website – https://riseupeight.com/
💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidleefish
🌐 Rise Up 8 – Speak with Confidence – https://riseupeight.com/
(Visit Rise Up 8 for the free introductory lesson of Speak with Confidence, Dr. Fish's online course focused on overcoming speech fright and experiencing his approach firsthand.)
EXPLORE MORE WITH MICHAEL REARDEN
🌐 Website – https://revenconcepts.com/
🎙 Podcast – https://coachinginsession.buzzsprout.com/
📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/revenconcepts/
WORK WITH MICHAEL REARDEN – https://www.revenconcepts.com/
Enjoyed this conversation? Follow Coaching In Session, download the episode, and share it with someone who struggles with public speaking, performance anxiety, or nerves under pressure.
Website: www.Revenconcepts.com
Email: Coachinginsession@gmail.com
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