Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety: a kind of anxiety which stems from the fear of being incapable of fulfilling a task or attaining some goal and being judged negatively by others.

Last week, the art gallery where I work had a special exhibit and I was in charge of arranging catering. My supervisor, Cordelia, alerted me that the artist was very particular (absolutely NO seafood). She said that she trusted me to "handle the task satisfactorily." Right.

Who wouldn't be stressed in a situation like that? But I took a deep breath and channeled my inner Martha Stewart. Martha told me to call my friend Cassie, who just happens to be best caterer in town. I had no worries because Cassie is the most confident, self-assured, and dynamic person I know. Her energy rubbed off on me and I'm proud to say I did not go ballistic.