
How a Small Change in Self-Talk Could Improve Performance Under Pressure
From The Bulletproof Musician by Noa Kageyama
December 21, 2025 · 8 min · Episode 410
About this episode
This episode discusses how a small change in self-talk can enhance performance under pressure based on a 2014 study.
The voice in our head can be an asset at times - but also kind of a jerk at the worst possible moments. And like that one person in the “quiet car” of the train that doesn’t seem to understand the rules, it never seems to be quiet when we need it to. A 2014 study identified a self-talk strategy that led to improved performances, and less post-performance shame and rumination. And it doesn’t require us to shush the inner critic entirely (whew, because that’s really difficult!). It’s just a sma...
People in this episode
Host: Noa Kageyama
Topics covered
- self-talk
- performance
- psychology
- pressure
- mental strategies
Keywords
- self-talk
- performance improvement
- mental strategies
- pressure
- psychology
More episodes of The Bulletproof Musician
- Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse: The Science of Sleep for Musicians · May 10, 2026 · 43 min
- Paul Baxter: Why Bad Habits Keep Coming Back (And a Faster Way to Change Them) · April 7, 2026 · 35 min
- Micah Killion: The One Thing Artist-Level Musicians Do Differently in the Practice Room · March 8, 2026 · 1h 1m
- How to Start a Performance with More Accuracy (Without the Onstage Warm-Up) · January 18, 2026 · 8 min
- When You Can’t Get Yourself to Start Practicing, Try This · January 11, 2026 · 8 min
- The Central Strategy Expert Musicians Use to Practice Difficult Passages · December 28, 2025 · 9 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Bulletproof Musician podcast page.