Ep. 326 | How To Perform Under Pressure: How Alex Auerbach Prepared Me for High-Stakes Pitching

Jul 7

In the high-stakes world of performance, the pressure can be overwhelming. But what if you could turn that pressure into your greatest ally? In this episode of The BluePrint, we're joined by Dr. Alex Auerbach, the Senior Director of Wellness and Development for the Toronto Raptors. Dr. Auerbach shares his expert advice on how to perform under pressure, drawing from his extensive experience in sport and performance psychology.

In this candid conversation with Erik, Dr. Auerbach provides practical strategies to handle stress, enhance performance, and leverage stress as a tool for success. This conversation centers around coaching Alex provided Erik as he was preparing for a pitching spree to investors for AIM7. This is as raw as it gets!

Whether you're preparing for a major presentation, a sports competition, or any high-pressure situation, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• How exposure and variability can enhance your performance.

• The importance of reframing your mindset towards stress.

• Why practicing under varied conditions can create a richer mental model.

• The role of faith and prayer in managing stress.

• How to interpret physiological signals from your body.

• Insights into the world of professional sports psychology.

ABOUT Alex Auerbach

Dr. Alex Auerbach is the Senior Director of Wellness and Development for the Toronto Raptors. He joined the Toronto Raptors after serving as the Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology for the University of Arizona. Dr. Auerbach has worked with NCAA Division-I schools in the Pac-12, ACC, Big 12, and Conference USA.

Dr. Auerbach earned his doctoral degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in sport and performance psychology from the University of North Texas. He received a Master’s in Business Administration from Salve Regina University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Auerbach is a member of the American Psychological Association’s Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology) and Division 17 (Counseling Psychology), as well as the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Dr. Auerbach is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, a Licensed Psychologist, and a member of the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry.

ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT PODCAST

The Blueprint Podcast is for busy professionals and Household CEOs who care deeply about their families, career, and health. Host Dr. Erik Korem distills cutting edge-science, leadership, and life skills into simple tactics optimized for your busy lifestyle and goals. Dr. Korem interviews scientists, coaches, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and exceptional people to discuss science and practical skills you can implement to become the most healthy, resilient, and impactful version of yourself.

On a mission to equip people to pursue audacious goals, thrive in uncertainty, and live a healthy and fulfilled life, Dr. Erik Korem is a High-Performance pioneer. He introduced sports science and athlete-tracking technologies to collegiate and professional (NFL) football over a decade ago. He has worked with the National Football League, Power-5 NCAA programs, gold-medal Olympians, Nike, and the United States Department of Defense.

Erik is an expert in sleep and stress resilience. He is the Founder and CEO of AIM7, a health and fitness app that unlocks the power of wearables by providing you with daily personalized recommendations to enhance your mind, body, and recovery.