Published March 2026 Perfectionism Is Not the Same as Excellence Perfectionism and performance are often closely linked, particularly for high-achieving professionals, athletes, and students. High standards are praised. Precision is rewarded. Relentless effort is often interpreted as commitment. But perfectionism is not the same as excellence. Excellence is about doing something well and continuing to […]
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When self-criticism becomes a problem Self-criticism often arrives quietly. It can sound like high standards, self-monitoring, or a desire to improve… until it begins to interfere with flexibility, confidence, and performance under pressure. For some people in high-pressure roles, self-criticism and performance is complex. Self-criticism can seem motivating, even protective. Yet under pressure, self-criticism can
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End of year stress is more common than many people realise. For many people, December carries a particular emotional weight. It’s a month filled with endings, expectations, competing demands, and a cultural pressure to feel a certain way. Even when there are moments of joy, it’s common to notice fatigue, irritability, sadness, or emotional flatness
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Freezing under pressure is more common than many people realise. It’s not unusual to feel nervous in challenging moments – but few expect to feel stuck or unable to respond in the way they normally would. Freezing can show up as blanking out, going quiet, losing words, feeling disconnected, or suddenly being unable to act
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Understanding Performance Anxiety: Why It Happens and How to Work With It Do you get nervous when you have to get up on stage to sing or act?Do you feel jittery before an audition, a game, a meeting, or a presentation?Does your heart race before a big conversation or interview? Performance anxiety isn’t limited to
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Breathing techniques for anxiety can be powerful tools for regaining calm and focus — whether you’re preparing for a big performance, a meeting, or simply trying to quiet your mind. Feeling anxious? You know that physical rush: your heart races, your breath shortens, your palms sweat, your mind spins. That sensation doesn’t just happen before
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As a psychologist who spends time on the road as well as in the therapy room, I’ve had my own encounters with performance anxiety. Whether preparing for a race or stepping into another form of pressure, the experience is familiar. That sense of apprehension can build as the moment approaches, particularly when something feels important
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There is something about Florence and the Machine that captures the experience of anxiety in a way that clinical language rarely does. Florence Welch draws on her own experience of anxiety as creative material, as many artists do, and her song Free, from the 2022 album Dance Fever, reflects this directly. The song describes the
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It’s been a while since I’ve been active on my blog or on social media. But last week I decided I needed to give you more… More information about who I am and what I do and how I work. So I’m posting more on the Enhance Life Psychology social media. This means you can
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4 Recommended Psychology Self Help Books (plus a few extras) I teach clients a variety of ways to manage distress. Sometimes though reading something further can add a different dimension to what my clients learn in session. I have a few that I often recommend. It’s generally reported that these books have been helpful to those
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