Chapter 13 - Crisis into Opportunity

Chapter 13 of Psycho-Cybernetics is about turning a crisis into an opportunity to advance ourselves to the goal.

In the opening of Chapter 13, Dr. Maltz talks about some athletes who perform even better when playing for high stakes such as championships, compared to exhibition games. The reason for this is because these athletes have learned to react to crises situations properly. These crises give athletes strength, power and wisdom that they do not normally possess.

1) Practice Without Pressure

We have to prepare and practice for crisis situations. The more pressure and tense it is, the harder it is to learn. So therefore, practicing without pressure is best so you can learn and absorb information more efficiently. For example, if you are a golfer, you should practice your swing when you are alone, without pressure. If you are a boxer, you should practice your punches and footwork. If you are a speaker, you can practice your speech to an imaginary audience. All this private practicing will form a "mental map" in your memory. So when the crisis moment happens, all the practice in your muscles, nervous system and brain will carry-over to your situation. At the same time, practicing without pressure is building a self-image of yourself to help you perform at your best.

The word "crisis" comes from a Greek word that means "decisiveness" or "point of decision". Once we are in a crisis situation, we are to act aggressively to make what we want to happen.

2) Crisis Brings Power

When there is a crisis, the secret to making the most of it is fearlessly accepting the challenge and confidently expanding your strength. You must be aggressive to strive for your goal. Being goal-oriented during a crisis will be a stimulus which releases additional power to help you accomplish your goal.

During a crisis situation, one will be excited and nervous. This excitement or nervousness is extra energy that can be directed any way you want. It is how you see that extra energy that makes the difference. When you channel your excitement into your goal, it will give you a "boost" of power.

3) What Is The Worst That Can Possibly Happen?

In crisis situations, some people tend to use their imagination against themselves and make their potential failures bigger then what they really are. Ask yourself the question, "What is the worst that can possibly happen if I fail?"

Also, see crises as opportunities to advance yourself.