Ever wonder why people choke during high pressure situations? It could be a basketball player that needs to make the final shot at the buzzer, a violinist needing to play well at a performance, or a person that just wants to interview well for a new job.
“The Fear Project”, by Jaimal Yogis, describes Yogis personal journey of how he came to understand and embrace the concept of fear. Yogis relates stories of how he conquered huge feats like surfing Mavericks (a big wave surfing spot in Northern California) and diving with sharks, to discussing his fears of being rejected by others, like the surfing community, his friends, and his girlfriend. He blends personal experiences with scientific facts to help the reader understand “why there is a disconnect between our emotions and our intellect, how fear works in the brain and body, and how I could be more brave.”
The book is not about becoming fearless, it is more about understanding what fear is and how to learn to control it, rather than be controlled by it. Yogis talks about the importance of finding a balance with fear. You do not want to be fearless, nor do you want to be completely consumed by fear. He states that “we actually need shots of adrenaline and dopamine (bodily chemicals associated with fear) to help us get into peak performance states, to stay up late and work on a tight deadline, to keep us from making stupid decisions.”
If you are curious about the effects of fear and anxiety in relation to sports, relationships, and life, this is an insightful and entertaining book to read!
To learn more about the book, and Jaimal Yogis, check out the following links: