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Performance Under Pressure

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The transformative mind-model for performing under stress and making pressure your advantageUsed by the planets top performers In Performance Under Pressure, forensic psychiatrist Dr Ceri Evans gives you the tools to take control of the moment.Beat doubt, worry, regret and burnout with simple mind techniques and discover the secret of how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. No one is immune to pressure. We all fall victim to its effects in the same ways. But pressure is misunderstood. Pressure can be your greatest ally in leading a fulfilling and successful life. The more discomfort there is in a situation, the better it is for those who have prepared. In this, his very first book, Dr Ceri Evans shares the life-changing methods he uses with some of the planets top performers. This book will give you a better understanding of how the brain behaves under pressure using the Red-Blue mind model, a simple, contagious and universally applicable recipe for dealing with whatever pressure you have in your life, whatever form it takes.

368 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2019

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Ceri Evans

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5 stars
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83 (34%)
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44 (18%)
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14 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Cav.
907 reviews203 followers
February 9, 2022
Sadly, Perform Under Pressure just did not resonate very well with me...

Author Ceri Evans is a former New Zealand association football player who frequently represented his country as a central defender in the 1980s and 1990s.
After graduating in medicine with distinction from the University of Otago, Evans attended Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar, gaining a first class honours in Experimental Psychology while playing football for Oxford United. He is the son of Gwyn Evans who played professionally for Crystal Palace, for Christchurch United, and Nelson United in New Zealand and who also became a senior official in the New Zealand Football Association.

Ceri Evans:


The book opens with a good intro; Evans lays out his "RED-BLUE mind model" that will be a central theme of the book.



He writes this of the model:
Here are 10 reasons why I strongly believe in the RED–BLUE mind model:
1. It works. It wouldn’t exist if people didn’t feel it had significantly helped them. (Nor would this book!)
2. I use it myself (all the time). My best and worst moments – as a parent, footballer, clinical director or speaker – all relate back to my use (or non-use) of the model in my own life.
3. It’s for all of us. I have seen the best in the world get mentally better – and worse – in different moments. I have also seen those in the mid-range, and those with everything against them, get mentally better – and worse – in different moments. Everyone is on the same RED–BLUE page.
4. It’s practical. I’ve met experts who know more about the theory behind the brain than I ever will, but just like the rest of us, they’re still held back in their performance when it comes to putting it into practice. No amount of theory can alter that.
5. It changes lives. It has encouraged people, time and again, to venture into more challenging areas, which have proved to be personally significant, and occasionally life-changing.
6. It provides balance. In every performance environment I’ve experienced there is an opportunity to be exceptional in the technical aspects of that field and the mental elements, but few are exceptional at both. Even in those fields seemingly ruled by technology, human elements still have their say – and often the final word.
7. It’s easy to use: People quickly pick up on the main RED–BLUE ideas and make them work, because the model is intuitive.
8. It works for young and old. I’m not an expert in child psychology, but (as you’ll see) ten year olds have picked up the model and run with it; and I’ve seen people of advanced age change their philosophy even after a lifetime of unhelpful mental habits.
9. It’s enjoyable. It takes what for many is an unwelcoming area – performing under pressure – and turns it into a personally relevant road map.
10. It surprises people. It surprises – and even shocks – experienced performers when they suddenly realise that they have been trying to ‘get better’ most of their lives by trying to become more comfortable when they perform, guided by an unspoken assumption that this is the only or best way forward. The idea that significant opportunity exists in the space of becoming more effective when they are uncomfortable can come as a revelation.


*********************

I am generally a huge fan of books on mindset, especially the performance mindset. Unfortunately, this one just didn't meet the high-water mark that other books I've read in this genre have established.
I really didn't like the formatting, and felt that the writing jumped around way too much. This effectively lost the narrative for me. Evans also includes too many acronyms and too many boxes of hypertext.
This had the effect of cluttering up and clouding the broader theme.
I'm conflicted about how to rate this one, since the information presented here is fairly decent. It was the presentation of that information that I found lacking...
2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Lillian Chen.
27 reviews
February 5, 2020
There are lots of common censes in the book . Basically just keep calm and stay focus ..
Profile Image for Bianca.
97 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2024
This book has helped me shift my mindset from seeing pressure as less of a threat and more of a challenge. Stress really can't be avoided, but acknowledging that you are feeling it is already a start to thriving in that situation.

I love how this was structured as well. The author began by explaining what happens in your body when you're under pressure. As someone who's only familiar with Flight-or-Fight, I also learned that there's a third response: Freeze. The author then dove into the toolkit for dealing with before, during, and after these situations, which has made me feel better equipped to handle them.

Overall, one of the most powerful books I've read
169 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2020
CBT and mindfulness for jocks. This book gives new names to some long existing ideas such as awareness of sensations and emotions to stop them from hijacking your self control etc. Although it is definitely tested methodology, i find the acronyms, colour coding and over simplification a bit gaudy, i must admit. It is like someone branding the same sunscreen in black packaging so men won't feel less masculine when protecting themselves from the actual hellfire that is sun.

I also found some recommendations to be conflicting. The author says 'how frustrating it is to be told not to worry as if you can just stop it' and within same chapter says 'oh yeah make sure all your motivation is intrinsic, ok?' Without any context as to how to do that. Same thing with the whole mindfulness. Author gives wonderful examples of how people stopped dead in the tracks of a bad situation and how that turned things around, but does not tell you concrete techniques of recognising your own sensations.

I guess my problem with the book is that it is too much tell, not enough show. A consistent mindfulness practice (30 day challenge apps are dime a dozen) would do you better than reading this book.

Plus, any book that is dispensing scientific-ish advice i think has a duty to present its own counter case. It is a pet peeve of mine when self help books present problems and solutions with the certainty and clarity of an infomercial. There are depressed people out there who won't respond to CBT, there are people who are dealing with conditions beyond their control that make mindfulness impossible and you - the perfectly normal, probably able you - will have trouble performing under pressure some portion of the time. Sober language that prepares you for various eventualities when you follow the advice would have been more welcome than the brightly coloured, acronym laden performance alchemy that seems to be on offer.
Profile Image for Angela.
30 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2025
It took me a while to finish this book because it felt very "how-to" when I first started reading it. The concepts all felt new and challenging to grasp. I went through the book little by little, up until I started seeing and experiencing these concepts. I finished the book the next day.

As someone who is currently experiencing a lot of "red", this book came at a great time. It reminds me that we will all make mistakes and experience stress, and the only way out is through.
Profile Image for Heather.
239 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2020
3.5 stars. I can see why these techniques work in high performance sports situations. I found some resonated with me and my rather typical corporate job more than others did. I found myself making notes of the explanation of why to apply the techniques than the techniques themselves. That said, I will try a few out and practice to see if I can apply them. As the author says - complete, or complain.

Will pass the book on to a few people at work, mostly to see if they get the same frustrating colleagues pop into their heads for some of the examples. 😂
Profile Image for Rosie.
16 reviews10 followers
July 13, 2020
I was given this book as part of a personal/professional growth programme via work and was excited to read it.

The book is jam-packed with a lot of practical tips and has a lot of key takeaways (I’ve highlighted a lot of text and have a lot of sticky notes popping out of the book!)

Dr Ceri Evans couches the individual to examine their performance and to honestly identify their performance gap. A lot of high performing individuals are technically exceptionally but it’s rare to find those who are also mentally exceptional. As Dr Evans summarises, it’s easier to critique someone’s technical ability rather than measure their mental/emotional reactions. Human factors are often dismissed because they’re elusive, yet these factors fluctuate the most. Dr Evans challenges us to balance our red & blue brain (emotional vs rational) sides, so we are equipped to perform our best in any given situation. He reinforces the fact that neither sides of our brain/reactions are superior over the other; rather, with practical techniques, we can balance both reactions and use them to our advantage.

One key practical technique I have since incorporated is to set an imaginary timer on tasks I would normally put off or delay. I imagine a clock behind me which starts ticking and I have to complete the uncomfortable task with no disruption as quickly as I can. Although it sounds rather simplistic, it’s been super effective and has helped tremendously in how I have improved my time management skills and has made it easier to check off the difficult & uncomfortable tasks first.

Another key takeaway and aha moment was discovering the fact that people are either externally or internally driven. I am fortunate to have found myself aligning to the latter. Dr Evans explains: “Internally driven performers tend to look at internal obstacles and see their primary opponent as themselves. Being internally driven also feels different. Instead of feeling the weight of expectations coming down on us from the outside, we feel power flowing up from within.” The reason why this resonated with me was because I truly enjoy my “job” and have found myself a career which aligns with my passion. Instead of watching the clock tick, instead I’m savouring every moment and putting my all in to any project I undertake and/or have started via my own initiative(s). To the point where I will continue a project even if it starts eating into my personal time, as I don’t see this as purely “work”, but instead, a passion project and meaningful work. As an internally driven individual, external pressure does not limit or dictate the outcome of my creativity. When you find your purpose, discover what you can offer to the world, align your living with meaningful work, you will be set free.
Profile Image for Mark Francis Montecer.
27 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2025
The book focuses on the two primary ways we deal with stress: the natural, fearful approach (the “red way”) and the more rational, growth-oriented approach (the “blue way”). The “red way” often leads to avoidance or inaction, while the “blue way” encourages taking proactive steps, even in the face of fear. I found the distinction between these approaches really helpful because it made me realize that I have more control over my responses than I thought. One of the most impactful ideas was learning that failure isn’t something to fear—it’s actually an opportunity to learn and grow. The dopamine release after taking action and learning from mistakes reinforces this mindset. Overall, the book helped me reframe pressure and setbacks as a chance for growth, and I feel more equipped to handle high-pressure situations moving forward.

Key Learnings:
1. Two primary responses to pressure: Fearful ("red way") and rational ("blue way"). The red way includes avoidance (flight), passivity (freeze), and aggressive action (fight).
2. Choosing to act: While the fight response can be intense, it’s often the most rewarding and offers the highest chance of success, especially if you learn from failure.
3. The rational approach: Pressure should be seen as a task, with both potential success and failure. The key is to learn from both outcomes, which enhances your ability to deal with pressure over time.
4. Long-term thinking: Having a clear plan and perspective on the long-term goal helps put short-term setbacks into context, making them learning experiences rather than failures.
5. Dopamine’s role: When you take action and learn from a setback, your brain releases dopamine, reinforcing positive learning patterns and improving future performance under pressure.
6. Fear is natural: It’s important not to fear fear itself. Acknowledge it and still choose to take aggressive action to face the challenge at hand.
7. Learning from setbacks: Setbacks aren’t signs of failure but rather opportunities to learn and grow. By focusing on learning, you build resilience and enhance performance under pressure.
8. Planning and resilience: Make a plan, expect setbacks, and prioritize learning from every experience. This mindset strengthens your ability to perform under pressure over time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
228 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2019
One of the best "self help" books I've read. Clear, conmon sense, practical - not your typical 10 page essay bulked up into a book. There's something in here for everyone.

I really like the: Step Back, Step up, step in model.

And the Performance Gap tool. Easy to absorb and use even in a modest rudimentary way.
450 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2020
Picked this book because I'm experiencing some set backs at work. It started off interesting enough but became really prescriptive and really dry. I wanted to like this book and explore the concepts. I think the first chapter would make a good compendium with Thinking Fast and Slow to explore more on the difference between emotion and rational thinking.
Profile Image for Emily Cavell.
67 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2019
Incredible. This book helped me understand where the holes in my performance were and how to not only fix them but drive myself towards improving beyond what I'm currently capable of. Highly recommend! If Dr Ceri writes another book I will pre-order/buy it in a heartbeat!!
Profile Image for Rory Lynch.
130 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2025
I'm going to reread this in a month because it was excellent but I definitely didn't absorb everything the first time through.
Profile Image for James Thacker.
9 reviews
February 18, 2022
What drove me to read this book was the need to perform better under pressure both at work and in my rugby career. I feel like, as a result of reading this book, I am improving in both.

The way that Dr. Evans writes is extremely relatable and he brings in real life examples wherever possible to paint a picture and bring his lessons to life. In this way you’re able to visualise how you can take the tools he teaches you into your own life and how to perform under pressure.

An example of how it helped me recently is when I made a talk at work to over 100 people, and I felt my ‘RED’ feelings rising. I took the breathing techniques he teaches as well as “creating the gap” to control my emotions and move me into the ‘BLUE’ to deliver my presentation. I managed to overcome feelings of pressure and nervousness which previously affected me in similar talks to deliver a great presentation, achieving what I set out for it to do.

I thoroughly recommend this book, and bring a pad and paper for notes!
Profile Image for John Ellis.
79 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2023
A Game-Changer for Elevating Performance Under Pressure

"Perform Under Pressure" by Dr. Ceri Evans is a must-read for anyone serious about self-improvement and optimal performance. What sets this book apart is its science-backed red-blue framework, which offers a pragmatic and straightforward guide to understanding how our brain operates under stress.

As someone deeply interested in stoicism, I found compelling parallels between the ancient philosophy and Dr. Evans' contemporary approach. However, this book goes a step further by offering scientific validation to the methods it prescribes, making the advice not just wise but also actionable.

This has become my go-to recommendation for anyone looking to better themselves, both in professional and personal settings. Dr. Evans reframes challenges as opportunities, inviting us to engage with the question 'what if?' in order to unlock our fullest potential.

Strongly recommended for high-performers and teams aiming for excellence. Five stars.
Profile Image for Susan  Wilson.
984 reviews14 followers
Read
June 20, 2021
What did I like? A great new way to frame sessions on KEEP, STOP, START. This book was worth reading just for that because it’s excellent. Thank you. On the rest, I struggled. It seemed to reframe concepts that weren’t new to me like Growth Mindset and Amygdala Response. That’s fine, except it focused primarily on sporting examples. In sport, Performance Under Pressure works but, in business (and life) it is, to quote Simon Sinek, an Infinite Game and there isn’t an “After We Perform”. Herein lies the limitation of this book because, outside sport, most people are required to turn up every day, day after day, year after year, and perform. Too much pressure and they burn out. Not enough pressure and they fail to keep their skills current. This book fails to acknowledge this, or address it.
Profile Image for Emily Bassett.
63 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
I love what this book is, and what this book is NOT. It doesn't pretend to be more than it is--it is a book specifically about how to perform under pressure, as the title would have you believe. =)

Simple techniques, applied to times in our careers / lives when we are pressurized, by deadlines, performance margins, etc.

As I got deep into the techniques, I found myself asking, wait, WHY am I putting myself in these pressure situations? TT? Train to what? I train to LEARN! I get a thrill from being uncomfortable. So, overall, great book, it does exactly what it sets out to do. Enjoy--no pressure!
5 reviews
July 13, 2023
At times this book was a challenging read due to the volume of frameworks and theories it presented, and it took some time to get through. However throughout the book I found nuggets of insight that helped me reach another level to my performance during that day/week. I can honestly say that I will try and implement some of things I learnt through reading this book, and feel as though I will better for it.
353 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2020
Wouldn’t say it is boring but pretty technical. and I felt lots of waffle to get to a point hence I skimmed a bit in the middle. Glad to see I actually do a lot of these techniques naturally already.

But hey he is a mental strength coach for the All Blacks who won two world cups while he was on board and Im a lounge chair critic so go read the book and make your own decisions. 👍🏼
Profile Image for Jay Hennessey.
90 reviews32 followers
August 21, 2020
This is a fantastic book on performance that provides tangible tools and models to think about the mental game. There are so many amazing highlights, however the Red/Blue model is foundational throughout the book.

I would highly encourage anyone working in the performance domain to dig into this book - it would be a great read for both athletes and coaches.
5 reviews
January 11, 2021
The book has some useful concepts in there but ultimately I found it quite complex and difficult to engage with.

I’ll definitely be taking some of the ideas away as some of it is useful but as a whole framework I found it to be too large, too cumbersome and a little heavy handed in the use of acronyms.

For me there are better books out there in this space.
Profile Image for Skullyx76.
30 reviews
August 5, 2025
Great book. Got it out from the library but I think I need to purchase as my fingers were itching to highlight passages! I am fortunate enough to have been mentored by Renzie Hanham who has worked with Dr Ceri Evans and really helped my mental game in regards to high level sports. Highly recommend this read. ✅
11 reviews
July 20, 2020
Needed to read it more than once

This book is full of usable information and actions that can be implemented. It helped me understand the different responses I have under pressure, how to prepare and how to respond. I guess now the real work starts in implementing it daily.
36 reviews
January 31, 2024
6/10 book a little cringe focuses on red vs blue mind and how to tame your mind with certain breathing and thinking activities.
ESC-ape expressions scrutiny consequences aggressive passive escape
IMP-ACT: intention moment priority aware clear task
Profile Image for Michael MacRae.
266 reviews13 followers
July 13, 2024
Great book for people struggling with emotional overload. Not that useful if your mind is usually too calculated (or "blue" as the author would call it). It feels more like a guide to not panic, but has some genuinely useful methods if you see "red" when under pressure.
3 reviews
March 1, 2020
Insightful and Practical

Great practical insight that can be applied to performance under pressure in any domain - consistently applies the tools presented will be life changing
Profile Image for Alise Brīnumzemē.
2 reviews
November 21, 2021
God ideas and approaches. Quite a lot highlighted lines, but I didn’t like all of those acronyms. Bit overwhelming and confusing.
Profile Image for Ned Bartlett.
376 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
Not the type of book that I'd normally read to relax, and at times the "think of a time when you've been stressed" narrative did indeed make me quite stressed...
The number of techniques for thriving under pressure are only eclipsed by the sheer amount of acronyms. This makes it chintzy and a little inaccessible.
There were some good visualisations and strategies that will stick with me though.
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