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Nerve: Poise Under Pressure, Serenity Under Stress, and the Brave New Science of Fear and Cool (2011)

by Taylor Clark

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834321,686 (4.13)1
The author draws upon cutting-edge science and painstaking reporting to explore the very heart of panic and poise. He explains why some people thrive under pressure, while others falter--and how we can go forward with steadier nerves and increased confidence.
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3.5 stars

I loved reading the stories of people who were clutch and the people who choked. He's a gifted storyteller.

( )
  wellington299 | Feb 19, 2022 |
I finally got the copy I won in the Goodreads giveaway a while ago (thanks for sending it again!) and I am glad I did, because Clark's book was a great read. I see that I consumed it in just 4 days; no small feat for me, as I am a rather slow reader. Clark does a good job of summarizing and highlighting historical and current research into the mysteries of the amygdala, the fear response, anxiety, and stress. He tells the stories of remarkable examples of humans who cracked or excelled under stress, from bullet-dodging war heroes to famous pitchers forced to leave their profession due to performance anxiety. And what becomes clear, from the stories and the research, is that a sense of control and predictability can make our fears and anxieties manageable. This is not a self-help book, but a book where one can learn a little bit of every aspect of what science knows about fear and anxiety. I am usually an anxiety-free person and some findings in research highlight some of my personality traits that allow me to remain anxiety-free, but what's striking is I could immediately recognize patterns of behavior that I or people around me employ to try to combat anxiety, and that some of it works for a good reason and some will never work. I also can recognize easily why, even though I usually have low anxiety, I freak out in very particular situations with time pressure. And why I just cannot help but squeeze the door handle every time I think the driver is doing something remotely "dangerous." (I was in a bad car accident when I was little, and my amygdala just won't forget it. Ever.) Yes, I may still walk out of a car after an hour of back-seat-driving with a limp due to pressing that invisible brake, but I won't feel like it's my fault for not being able to prevent this reaction, and that, in itself, will make my car ride less anxious. ( )
  bluepigeon | Dec 15, 2013 |
Why do some people thrive equally in the moments that count and others choke? How can anyone use focus and habit to maximize their results? Taylor Clark shares the latest scientific insights to help anyone understand how the mind works in moments of stress and how to perform better, habitually. This book is interesting, insightful, and practical. ( )
  jpsnow | May 18, 2013 |
Just when you thought you knew everything about fear and anxiety, Clark pivots you toward the unknown.

Just like everyone in this world, I myself have many times had the so called case of the nerves. What Clark explains in his book is that everyone on this planet has at one time or another dealt with fear or the so called crippling anxiety. More musicians, actors, doctors and regular folks than one can even imagine deal with it on a regular basis. The case studies and real person interviews Clark provides in Nerve are insightful and interesting. He gives us a look into the lives of professionals who are under extreme stress to perform flawlessly on a regular basis. From a commander in the mountains of Iraq to a pianist in an orchestra. Clark provides insight into how fear and anxiety can cripple anyone anywhere unexpectedly and make their life do a complete 360. Fear not there is hope for you to!

Nerve is not a cure all your anxiety book, however it provides hope by sharing extremely helpful information for those of us that have been in the dark regarding what we tend to think of as our worst enemy. By helping you see the light at the end of the tunnel and guiding you forward while holding your hand, a feeling that you are not alone. With an open mind you can reach the other side of this fear and anxiety ridden tunnel. In the process of readng Nerve you learn that fear and anxiety is a natural part of our daily lives, it is human nature that can be channeled to your benefit. The tips at the end of the book are a quick and helpful guide to go over when feeling the grips of fear and anxiety in our day to day lives. Clark also shares many references to other authors and their books, if you feel adventurous and would like to read more on this subject. If myself found the book very rewarding. Although I have read other books on this subject. I have found Nerve to be the most unbiased and helpful on these topics. Teaching me much more than I thought I already knew.

I have not been compensated for this review in any way other than receiving a copy of the book, Nerve. Opinions expressed above are solely mine. ( )
  autumnblues | Mar 25, 2011 |
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The author draws upon cutting-edge science and painstaking reporting to explore the very heart of panic and poise. He explains why some people thrive under pressure, while others falter--and how we can go forward with steadier nerves and increased confidence.

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