Psycho-Cybernetics: Part 6
For those of you who are new to my blog, I have a series called "Psycho-Cybernetics" that takes excerpts from and summarizes some of the chapters in this book. Why I started this series? 1.) the book is amazingly logical and helped me to better myself and my life // 2.) I am generally very interested in human psychology and "the self" and the power of the mind // 3.) I love sharing with others what I find useful myself and // 4.) Not everyone reads books on a regular basis, and for those who do, these articles might inspire one or the other person to get it and have it change their lives for the better. The previous episode of my Psycho-Cybernetics blog-series was about utilizing the power of deep desire. If you haven't read the previous episode, you can click <<here>> Now let's continue..
THE SCIENCE OF CYBERNETICS
Psycho- Cybernetics, Maxwell Maltz
The science of Cybernetics does not tell us that "man" is a machine but that man has and uses a machine. Moreover, it tells us how that machine functions and how it can be used.
Even though it grew out of the work of physicists and mathematicians rather than that of psychologists, the new science of cybernetics made an important breakthrough in psychology possible.
I hope you enjoy this episode's excerpt:
Ep.6 - Turning a Crisis into a Creative Opportunity
There are different types of people. Those who perform best when no one watches and those who shine under pressure.
I KNOW a young golfer who holds the all-time course record for his home course, yet has never even placed in a really big tournament. When playing by himself, or with friends, or in small tournaments where the stakes are low, his play is flawless. Yet, each time he gets into a big tournament his game deteriorates. In the language of golfdom, "the pressure gets him." Many baseball pitchers have pinpoint control until they find themselves in a situation where "the chips are down." Then they "choke up," lose all control, and appear to have no ability whatever.
On the other hand, many athletes perform better under pressure. The situation itself seems to give them more strength, more power, more finesse.
Another example: One salesman may find himself inarticulate in the presence of an important prospect. His skills desert him. Another salesman under the same circumstances may "sell over his head." The challenge of the situation brings out abilities he does not ordinarily possess.
The Secret of the Money Player
The difference between all these persons is not some inherent quality that one has and the other hasn't. It is largely a matter of how they learned to react to crisis situations. A "crisis" is a situation which can either make you or break you. If you react properly to the situation, a "crisis" can give you strength, power, wisdom you do not ordinarily possess. If you react improperly, a crisis can rob you of the skill, control, and ability that you ordinarily have to call upon.
The so-called "money player" in sports, in business, or in social activities—the person who comes through in the clutch—who performs better under the stimulus of challenge, is invariably the person who has learned either consciously or unconsciously to react well to crisis situations.
For me it depends a lot on the situation. I think we all know that feeling when you try something and it works, and when you try demonstrating it in front of people, it all of a sudden doesn't work. The famous "demonstration effect". The same goes for me when it comes to speaking in front of an audience. For some reason I can formulate and perform in front of a small audience a million times better than a large crowd. BUT I am working on getting passed those barriers I have in my mind and this chapter has helped me a lot.. with realizing once again that everything starts and ends with the mind. I am trying to keep my posts shorter, so if you are interested in more than just the three main points let me know!
Let's strive to become diamonds!
According to Psycho-Cybernetics, in order to perform well in a crisis we need to:
(1) learn certain skills under conditions where we will not be overmotivated; we need to practice without pressure.
(2) We need to learn to react to crisis with an aggressive, rather than a defensive attitude; to respond to the challenge in the situation, rather than to the menace; to keep our positive goal in mind.
(3) We need to learn to evaluate so called "crisis" situations in their true perspective; to not make mountains out of molehills, or react as if every small challenge were a matter of life or death.
If you are interested in the breaking-down of the three points, you have two options: 1.) read the book (and comment below) or 2.) comment below if you would like me to elaborate on them in another post (and still read the book).
So either way, let me know what you think!
Question OTD: Do you perform better without or with pressure?
Much love,
- Mrs.Steemit
Hey @mrs.steemit - quick, unrelated question to this post -
I noticed you have a huge follower base here, if you don't mind me asking, what's the secret to your success? Is it being on here for over a year, consistently publishing good content? Or something else? I'm still a newbie and have learned commenting produces better results than posting, but even then, building Steem here is a painstakingly slow process (not to say that it isn't fun and worthwhile!)
Anyone else reading this, feel free to chip in with your 2 cents as well ;)
Hey @jobsande I think there isn't "one way" to go about it for me what has worked:
Keep it up! :)
ahhh echt, wie geil, also grüß aus Kroatien! Bin für den nächsten Monat oder so da, allerdings bin ich auf jedenfall in HH zurück ab mittel Sept oder so, bin gerade aufm Sprung aber das mach ich sicherlich später, danke! Gibs viele Steemit leute in HH?
Interesting point "I suggest to find a reason as to why you're here for the long run," I for now have been blogging about whatever I've been interested in that moment, which I have several themes/passions like travel, investing, music, exercise/healthy living, etc but haven't yet decided to focus (or "limit") myself to any one of them...I also have the vague notion of offering a product or service at some point but have yet to zero in on that.
Right now, I'm just enjoying soaking up knowledge here and slowly (or veeery slowly I should say) building up Steem and a network. To be fair, not to use this as an excuse, but having a FT job also makes it a challenge to post every single day - doing my best though, I'd say I've been pretty consistent, even if some days are just 20 min to answer replies, etc.
@mrs.steemit thank you for sharing this post with us! I have read Psycho Cybernetics many times and it is one of my all time favorite books! One that I believe everyone should read and study :)
I really like your last point #3 we need really evaluate "crisis situations" -- "is it really that big of a deal?" most of the time we create more drama for ourselves then needed for sure.
Also, I perform better without pressure, im less in my head and can just let everything happen. If I am feeling the pressure I get in my head and thats when I tend it make mistakes.
Sincerely,
@joeparys
I very much agree with you. Also I feel the same way with and without pressure, it's something I am focusing on improving right now, to be able to perform on stage just like I do at home when nobody's watching. This is also why I enjoy writing a lot, I can express myself freely and get in a flow. I'd love to get some tips from you on online instructing, vlogging, speaking. Feel free to reach out @mrs.steemit (steemit.chat).
The book definitely provides useful information, but I think it really performance is an art that takes practice. Thanks for sharing your p.o.v!
Totally agree with "I perform better without pressure", I'm the same way as well...I have more time to think, react, and I'm generally in a happier state without pressure. Some of my best ideas have come to me during a leisurely stroll in a park, in the shower, etc.
It's funny though, some of the most famous athletes are the exact opposite, the "money players" as this article describes (ie, Michael Jordan always hitting his game winning shot at the buzzer).
@mrs.steemit - I have not seen your other articles in your series but will certainly read today. I can totally relate to the point you have highlighted in this blog. Performing under pressure was what made our team different compared to a lot of other executives. Especially, as you mention in point 3, it is necessary to evaluate the situation, keep calm and not over react - I remember a rather funny incident where I saw one of my bosses handle a situation. We were on our way for a very very crucial meeting connected to a large business deal . We got terribly late because of some unexpected traffic jam. I wanted to call the other party and apologize profusely but my boss called them, asked them very calmly where they were. When the other party said they were stuck in a jam and they would need more time to reach the venue, my boss very graciously told them to take their time and that we would wait for them !! He saved us from a lot of embarrassment and creating a bad impression merely by his calm logic and presence of mind. I learned a very valuable lesson that day.
your blog has some very relevant and stunning visuals as usual. The one about the diamond being a piece of carbon performing under pressure is great.
Thank you for this interesting series. I will try to get my hands on the book too. Cheers. Upvoted.
Regards,
I like how your boss handled the situation :)
Yes - It was funny and inspirational at the same time!! Thanks :)
Ditto... REALLY like how Your Boss handled the situation... "cooler" heads almost always prevail...
Lol. Thanks
That's a great example! Thanks for sharing. Appreciate it! I'm sure you'll love the book. Best wishes :)
Thank you for sharing this. I'm going to pick up this book.
which is your favorite book @Orlena? I found you in the comment section, and thought to talk with you.
Hi @sanjay91422 i dont have one favorite book since im an avid reader i always look for new books to read
great!
Your post is always interesting @mrs.steemit, I always follow your post. Because every post you make, inspire others. Thank you for sharing @mrs.steemit
Thank you! Glad you enjoy my posts :)
I just post my new post, if you are interested please to visit @mrs.steemit
When I am under pressure it brings the best out of me. Thanks @mrs.steemit for another beautiful post!
Thanks! Very interesting, the power of deadlines..
So true! :D
Damn really interesting i have a few friends who would love this book
And to answer the QOTD , without pressure
Yes I recommended it to pretty much all of my friends.
The problem is: what type of pressure is useful for each type of people and what's the required amount or period of pressure. Many people collapse under pressure and they may have psychological problems and diseases because of pressure.
Yes, it's more about the lever behind the pressure, that gets us to perform
Hmm.. for me im at my best when im doing something under pressure.. its more like presence of mind..
Makes sense. Would be great if you could figure out how to create this "presence of mind" without the pressure.
Maybe i learned and used at it when i was working as sales manager before , damn the pressure is unbelievable, the sales target the quota every week but we get used to it and i learned to calm myself in keep presence of mind even in the worse situation.
Hi @mrs.steemit. I was wondering if you fancy having a chat about Steemit on the phone/skype. I was talking to Matt @Starkerz earlier about you and wanted to talk to you about an idea I have. Stephen
Sure, message me on steemit.chat (@mrs.steemit) :)
I definitely perform better with pressure, it's actually quite crazy how my level of execution at anything increases with the amount of pressure.
A tip I give to people who cannot perform under pressure is to think "what's the worst that could happen?". Mostly because there are far too many instances of people stressing over nothing and that's an easy way to calm them down.
"Character is who you are under pressure. Not who you are when everything is fine". Really inspiring and motivating. Thanks for sharing such thing,
I am definitely gonna read book great share.
Very nice good post, I interesting in this post. @naz722
hi @mrs.steemit
that post have good info it was very intersting to read it . have a nice day and good weekend
Beautiful Post from Beautiful Lady. I enjoyed reading it. Good Life Lessons . Keep it up . Have a Nice Day😊
excellent post
nice, i like the it post thanks @ahlawat
As a huge introvert, I don't work well around other's I do excellent challenging myself without the piercing eyes. I find it way too distracting without just me, myself and I. 😅
Thank you @mrs.steemit. Already shared post life in steemit! Goo
Good post!
Even though it grew out of the work of physicists and mathematicians rather than that of psychologists, the new science of cybernetics made an important breakthrough in psychology possible
@mrs.
How do i get the book?
greet post @mrs.steemit .. thanks for sharing
Great lesson! when i am under pressure i do my best
A balanced dose of pressure is healthy but too much can break your back and turn you into a mental basket case. Always focus on striking a balance in life...
Are there two versions of the book? One is updated and expanded while the other one is deluxe edition. I love reading psychology books, and this book a must read in my list. Thanx for sharing it, I am feeling very lucky to be connected with you.
Superb
Mrs. STEEMiT... EXCELLENT... read this book almost 40 years ago AND am glad You wrote about this book now & previously. Will definitely go back & read Your previous posts on this book... it is definitely a Diamond !!
Hope You're having a Great Weekend !!
Cheers !!
Quick Note: Generally I'm better in a pressure situation... almost never panic, especially when others are, but this may be attributed to my older age...
You can download this book's PDF file from the following link
http://mastertext.spb.ru/pics/Psycho-Cybernetics.pdf
Nice photo
Innovation rises out of necessity. I have a lot of respect for people that are willing to pull themselves out of tough points in life. Hooray for creativity!
nice post upvoted and followed
Have a look into my blog, you may like any of my posts :-)keep voting @piyushkansal
Nice post, it was very useful, especially for me and maybe for others steemians. I think I could perform something better without any pressure. Without any pressure we can acumulate our brain into the positive thinking so we can get a perfect decisions and works. I agree with you that sometime we would face a pressure in action, so we have to learn more about that situation which come to us suddently. Thanks you for your intereting post.
Damm what an interesting find it has been today to read this was amazing to read.
amazing..!!!! ty for share upvote
So nice photo
Please vote me
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Good night ji
Best time to launch a startup is during a recession !!! A crisis of any sort brings opportunities . There is simple one thing, ability to take risk.. and your rewards are propotionL
So ya...I'm gonna vote here & say do another post on it! Every time I put the audio book on...I fall asleep. lol
It's really interesting though because in times of crisis, I can sway both ways which is weird. I have seen that my energy levels or general well being can dictate how I respond & react.
Like this past week, I was backing out after getting a sub, and my tire literally blows out! So I'm in the parking lot changing a tire in 90+°F degree heat sweatin my ass off in 90% humidity in Florida. But, I found that I stayed somewhat calm because I had done it 3 times before so I knew what to expect. I did almost kind of work myself into heat exhaustion right as I was done. The girl in Jersey Mikes was nice enough to hold my sandwich in the fridge & gave me a free drink after I went in to cool down because I felt like I was about to pass out. Florida heat is no joke! lmao
'We need to practice without pressure' is something that really resonates with me. Great post Mrs S!
Hey you are really a nice author. Now i will read your previous posts.
Since i m newbie here. Please upvote me and gelp me in growing with steemit family.
Here is my inroduction post. Have a look on it.
https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@raist/namaste-from-india-the-beautiful-city-chandigarh
Thanks