Expert Suggests ‘Pretend Flushing’ Mistakes to Curb Performance Anxiety

For individuals facing high-pressure scenarios such as job interviews, athletic competitions, or public presentations, overcoming performance anxiety is a critical challenge. Psychologist Cindra Kamphoff, who specializes in helping athletes and business leaders maintain confidence, offers creative mental tools to combat these fears.

Kamphoff’s advice is detailed in her newly published book, The Confidence Habit: 7 Core Practices to Transform Self-Doubt to Self-Belief, released in September. Among the unconventional techniques suggested is the concept of “pretend flushing” a mistake down the toilet, a mental exercise designed to help individuals dismiss errors and negativity quickly.

The approach is rooted in Kamphoff’s own experiences. During the 2012 marathon, she encountered significant self-doubt at Mile 22, asking herself, “This is dumb. Why am I doing this?” To counter this, she relied on positive affirmations written on her arm, such as “I’m strong, I’m fast, I’m fit, I’m ready,” which she could reference during moments of weakness.

Now working with elite organizations including the Minnesota Vikings and USA Track & Field, Kamphoff emphasizes that these strategies are applicable beyond sports. The goal is to enable people to perform at their best in moments that hold personal significance. By managing negative thoughts through visualization and affirmation, individuals can better navigate the pressures of high-stakes events.