Why Reframing Stress as Excitement Can Boost GMAT Performance
Research from Alison Wood Brooks, a professor at Harvard Business School, suggests a counterintuitive yet practical approach to handling stressful situations such as the GMAT. Instead of trying to quiet the nerves, she found that reframing anxiety as excitement can lead to better performance.
Most people assume that the best response to stress is to calm down. Brooks demonstrated that the opposite can sometimes be more effective. In her research, individuals who encouraged themselves to feel excited before a stressful task consistently performed better than those who told themselves to relax. A simple shift in self-talk made the difference. Saying “I am excited” or reminding themselves to “get excited” helped participants reframe what they were feeling and channel that energy into stronger results.
One of her experiments is particularly relevant to GMAT test takers. Students were asked to complete a timed math assessment. Before beginning, one group said “Try to remain calm” while another said “Try to get excited.” The outcome was clear. The group that embraced excitement outperformed those who aimed to calm themselves.
What does this mean for GMAT preparation? If you are feeling stressed about the exam, consider that your nerves may not be a problem to solve but energy to use. The next time you sit down to study, practice reframing your mindset. Say to yourself, “I am excited to solve these GMAT questions” or “I am excited to prove how much I have prepared.” Find a phrase that feels natural, repeat it often, and use it during practice sessions as well as on test day.
When stress inevitably arises during the GMAT, you will have trained yourself to treat it as a form of readiness rather than a distraction. That subtle change in perspective can help you stay sharp, maintain focus, and perform at a higher level when it matters most.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
