Anticipation and Avoidance

Reducing Uncertainty

Reducing the Importance of an Event

A number of factors can make an event take on a high level of significance and cause stress as a result:

• The importance and size of the event
• The prospect of a large financial reward, of promotion, or of personal advancement
• The presence of family, friends or important people

If stress is a problem under these circumstances, then think carefully about the event - take every opportunity to reduce its importance in your eyes:

• If the event seems big, put it in its place along the path to your goals. Compare it in your mind with bigger events you might know of or might have attended.
• If there is a financial reward, remind yourself that there may be other opportunities for reward later. This will not be the only chance you have. Focus on the quality of your performance. Focusing on the rewards will only damage your concentration and raise stress.
• If members of your family are watching, remind yourself that they love you anyway. If friends are real friends, they will continue to like you whether you win or lose.
• If people who are important to your goals are watching then remind yourself that you may well have other chances to impress them.