86 | Pressure & Performance

You dominate in practice, but when the lights come on and the game begins, something changes. Your mind starts racing. You overthink simple plays. You feel pressure building. You begin asking yourself, "Why can't I perform the same way I do in practice?" In this episode of All Things Performance, performance psychology expert Dr. Josiah Igono dives into one of the biggest challenges athletes face: performing under pressure. Josiah answers some of the most common questions athletes ask: Why do I perform great in practice but struggle in games? How do elite athletes stay calm under pressure? What should I do when I start overthinking during competition? Can pressure actually improve performance? Drawing from performance psychology principles and practical performance strategies, this episode breaks down what pressure actually is, why the mind responds the way it does during competition, and how elite performers learn to work with pressure rather than against it. You'll learn why pressure itself isn't the enemy, why overthinking often sabotages performance, and how some athletes consistently rise to the occasion while others become trapped by the moment. If you've ever felt your confidence disappear in competition, struggled with game-day nerves, or wondered how top performers stay composed when everything is on the line, this conversation will give you practical tools and a new perspective on pressure. Because pressure doesn't create who you are. Pressure reveals how you've prepared. And sometimes the difference between breaking under pressure and performing through pressure is learning how to think differently when the moment gets bigger. Next Steps: Watch Podcasts & ATP content on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allthingsperformance4379 Email Us: [email protected] Subscribe, share, and join us as we explore the science, psychology, and practice of human performance.