Clutch

In this summary, you will learn

• Why most people perform poorly when under pressure
• How “clutch” performers excel in stressful situations
• How you can become clutch

getAbstract rating

Why you should read Clutch

Everyone faces “clutch” situations, those times when you need to function under intense pressure. Few excel in these stressful moments; most choke. New York Times columnist Paul Sullivan investigates what makes the notable few who can handle stress so reliable under pressure. He interviews top athletes – including Tiger Woods – highly decorated combat veterans, seasoned heads of financial institutions, and successful traders to discover their secrets and methods. Without making his prose sound like something from a self-help book, Sullivan outlines how to avoid choking and how to stand tall in the clutch. He includes everything from stage fright to keeping a cool head in combat and makes extensive use of real-life examples to bring home his points. The book is entertaining but frustratingly short of actual prescription, leading you to suspect that being clutch may be a more innate than learned talent. Nonetheless, getAbstract recommends this intriguing overview to anyone who has ever choked under pressure and wants to see what it means to be clutch.

About the Author

Paul Sullivan writes the Wealth Matters column for The New York Times.