When Your Mindset Hijacks the Moment: A Personal Reflection on Presenting Under Pressure

 

Sometimes, our mindset feels like it’s working against us—especially in moments that matter.


Recently, I gave a presentation to my co-workers. I knew the material. I was prepared. But as I stood in front of the room, something deeper took over. My unconscious fear of rejection and judgment triggered a wave of emotion, and my brain responded by shifting into an extreme Survival-Based Mindset.

This wasn’t the helpful kind of survival alertness that sharpens focus and fuels performance. It was the kind that hijacks clarity. My heart pounded. My voice shook. I found myself reading directly from the slides, unable to access conscious thought. I wasn’t in danger, but my brain didn’t know that yet.

As the presentation continued, something shifted. My mind began to recognize safety. I felt more grounded and gradually moved into a more balanced mindset. In fact, I may have overcorrected—slipping into a Knowledge-Based Mindset. I became overly comfortable and started answering questions with too much detail and personal context.

I’m supposed to be the expert on this topic. And yet, maintaining a balanced mindset in high-stakes situations remains a challenge. For me, this may be rooted in biology. I was diagnosed with ADHD, and Predicting Human Behavior proposes that individuals who can shift mindsets but struggle to align with the appropriate one may exhibit symptoms commonly associated with ADHD.

While I may have less innate control over my mindset than others, I’ve seen meaningful progress since discovering the Theory of Mindsets (TOM). I’ve been implementing techniques to encourage balance—like journaling, positive affirmations (“Today I will learn and grow”), and occasional mindfulness and meditation. These help. But I still struggle to integrate physical and mental activities, even though I know that synergy would support a more regulated mindset.

This experience reminded me that mindset isn’t just a concept—it’s a living system. It responds to emotion, context, and biology. And while it can feel frustrating when it misfires, it’s also a powerful tool for growth.

If you’ve ever felt your mindset shift too far in the wrong direction, you’re not alone. The key isn’t perfection—it’s awareness, compassion, and practice.

What helps you stay in a balanced mindset when the pressure’s on? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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