Excitement vs. Anxiety

A scientific study shows that anxiety and excitement are really similar, and our brain can have a difficult time telling the difference between them because of the similar nerves they carry.

Anxiety and excitement are both aroused emotions. In both, the heart beats faster, cortisol surges, and the body prepares for action. In other words, they're “arousal congruent.” The only difference is that excitement is a positive emotion‚ focused on all the ways something could go well.

Some other scientific study proved that you're more likely to get something right, or win, with a positive mindset; this is where excitement comes in.

Combining those two studies, here's a tip: when you are about to go up on stage to recite a word, or you're just studying at the moment, trick yourself into thinking that you're actually excited - even if you're really nervous. This just might increase your probability of winning a spelling bee!

This tip applies to more than just spelling bees. In pretty much everything you do - competitions/contests, festivals, fairs, etc - try this. Try tricking your mind and tell yourself, "I'm excited. I'll nail it. I'll rock it." Think of it as a sort of science experiment.

You can find a more detailed explanation of how to overcome your fear or anxiety on stage here.