Hi again and welcome back to the savvy psychologist. I'm Dr Ellen Hedrikson and every

Friday I'll help you meet life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

A big moment is a big deal, whether it's an interview, a performance, or a pitch.

Whatever your big moment, whether you're a seventh grader trying out for the school soccer team

in front of your classmates,

or a 10th Circuit judge trying out for a little promotion

in front of the entire Senate Judiciary Committee,

it's the culmination of all your hard work, time, and energy. And you know you've prepared, you know you're ready,

but your anxiety is making you feel like you just drank a tankard truck of

espresso and you're biting your nails like a wood chipper. You've been told to take a few deep

breaths but that feels about as effective as a parasol in a tornado. So what to do? Well this week here are six strategies for your big moment besides picture your audience in their underwear.

Tip number one is set a process goal rather than an outcome goal.

Now, while it's important to aim high, some goals are more intimidating than others.

Approach a big moment with the mindset of, I only have one shot, or ace this presentation or die.

And you're pretty much guaranteed a one-way ticket to Chokesville.

So instead of setting a goal based on narrow parameters of achievement, like get a

million dollars for funding my startup or debut my novel on the bestseller lists, set what's called

a process goal.

Evaluate yourself based on the journey, not on the outcome.

An excellent process goal is learn all I can. For example, instead of the outcome goal of make my

new restaurant number one in the city, try the process goal of learn all I can

about launching a new restaurant.

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