Carey had a history of “choking” on big tests.
She was a top student but became anxious on big tests and performed below her skill level. And when this happened, she felt defeated and berated herself harshly.
It was a vicious cycle—worry before, stress during, and berate herself after—the big test.
Recently, Carey took a big test.
As usual, she performed below her skill level. But this time, Carey did something different. She did NOT berate herself.
In fact, she calmly considered what she wanted to do next. She decided to take the test again.
This time, though, she would simply focus on how she was showing up for the performance—not on the score, just how she was playing the game.
And on that second attempt, she began to see that she can, in fact, handle the “big” test.
For most students, the WORST possible outcome is making a great effort and having a not-so-great result. But Carey has begun to see things differently.
She is learning to SEE THROUGH SETBACKS to the opportunity they offer her.
She now begins to see a much bigger prize than getting a higher score on an assessment:
Carey is learning how to handle pressure, a skill that will serve her well far into the future.
