My breathing becomes irregular and my heart beats rapidly in my chest. I blow out a breath of air and try to concentrate. I must be concentrating too hard because everything in my mind goes blank. I start to break out into a cold sweat, it’s harder to breathe and I’m afraid my heart is going to pound out of my chest. Too many people staring at me, watching me, expecting excellence from me. Instead I completely fail with only 3 more steps to go. This happens 5 times. Not once or even twice but 5 times. I’m mortified when I finally finish but I try not to hang my head in shame. I keep my head high and walk to the back. If I’m not feeling bad enough the f*cking asshole in class has to comment. I hold back tears, traumatized by the whole event. A half hour later I left the dojo and cried when I got home. (and an hour after that I got drunk from one margarita HAHA) So 3 months later why am I doing it again?
It’s belt testing time again at Tae Kwon Do. In front of all the parents, 2 Masters, Grandmaster, his wife (also a black belt, I’m not sure what degree) and my Master/Instructor (my dad a 4th degree black belt). I know all the blocking sets, kicks, stances, sparring, and I really do know my form. I can do it in my head and in class on cue, but when it comes to all those people staring, watching I choke. Last time one of the Master’s spoke up for me saying I was nervous (I’m always nervous) while my dad laughed. I think he laughs because I just embarrassed him and he’s not sure what else to do. He also tells me I choke all the time. He doesn’t do it to be mean, really, I think he thinks I’m like him and the harder I’m pushed the more likely I will be succeed. C♥ is like that too. But I’m too sensitive to be pushed to succeed. I need loving, gentle support to succeed not someone demanding that I do it.
I’m not outwardly competitive but I’m extremely competitive with myself in my mind. Which is why, 3 months later, I’m going to do it again. Because maybe this time it will be different. But the fear of “maybe it won’t” scares the shit out of me. Can I face the humiliation again and hold back tears? I think not. Any advice on blocking people out so I can relax enough to demonstrate my form without choking?
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2 Responses to “Destined to Succeed (hopefully?)”
I can absolutely relate, but I will say that you should try to adopt something that’s a better way to cope:
For example, I learned that “hmm…what’s the worst thing that could happen? I don’t pass… I can always do it again”.
You know? THink of it that way, it’s never as bad as it could be.
[...] get performance anxiety BAD. (you need an example?)Like I want to throw up or curl up into the fetal position and suck my thumb. Having gone through [...]