Have you ever choked? Choked on a putt on a golf green or a final kill shot at tennis, billiards, or basketball, or choked on a sales presentation, an important phone call, or in a client meeting.

Welcome to Darren Daly on demand, your most trusted resource to help you become better every day. Here's your success

mentor, Darren Hardy. In the 1995 NBA finals, the Orlando Magic was protecting a slim

three-point lead in the final moments of Game 1 against the Houston Rockets.

Nick Anderson of the Orlando Magic steps to the free throw line with a chance to put his team

up by five and likely clinch the game. But he missed. Both shots. Luckily, he got the rebound from

his second shot and was fouled again. He headed back to the free throw line,

determined to seek redemption. Taking his time, Anderson shot. He missed. He took even more time,

the second time, and missed again. He did what is called choked. The Rockets went on to tie the game and force an overtime, eventually winning in the extra period.

The magic never recovered, and Houston swept the magic on their way to their second championship.

Have you ever choked?

Choked on a putt on a golf green or a final kill shot at tennis, billiards, or basketball, or choked on a putt on a golf green, or a final kill shot at tennis, billiards, or basketball,

or choked on a sales presentation, an important phone call, or in a client meeting.

What happened and how do you prevent it?

This type of choke involves your memory system.

It is what guides the skills of an athlete like

Anderson or a business person who has done something a thousand times and can normally

do it unconsciously. Ironically, however, when we think about it and try really hard to do something

we know how to do unconsciously, we often choke. You've probably heard a commentator say, they're just overthinking it, or they need to just get out of their head and play their game.

The choking occurs in thinking tasks, in well-rehearsed tasks such as presentations, sports contest,

or conditions when we consciously become deliberate

in guiding our behavior. So, here's your action. Next time you get nervous or are in jeopardy

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