How should I understand being too nervous to perform on an important occasion even when I know the answer?

It does not necessarily mean you lack the ability. Sometimes caring too much about winning and losing makes us so nervous that we forget even familiar actions. You may feel frustrated afterwards, but also look back at what made you panic so that you know what needs adjusting.

When I was young, I entered a televised quiz programme. Although I knew the answer, I was so nervous that I said it without pressing the buzzer, so it earned no points. On other questions, the answer was already in my mind but someone else buzzed in before I pressed. I was very frustrated afterwards. Later I considered that perhaps I had been too afraid of losing and too concerned about saving face to perform properly.

So when watching sports, I can understand that nervousness. Fellow practitioners also discussed how athletes can steady themselves when an opponent catches up in points. Continually thinking about what will happen if you lose makes it difficult to attend to the current ball. Bringing attention back to the present and considering how to play this ball well is something we can learn from competition.

Composure also needs practice. Sports commentary reminded me that ordinary spiritual practice involves observing our condition and learning whether we can remain steady under pressure. Was this occasion a matter of insufficient calm, or were practice and technique lacking? If we are willing to look back, learn and adjust, a setback is not necessarily bad.