We all get nervous.

It is how you deal with that feeling which can separate the top performers from the rest.

I have seen with those I have coached and mentored that it is the moments when you need to be at your best to communicate, lead or persuade others that frequently results in nerves.

This can then become a limiting factor that hinders performance.

Public speaking, networking events, meetings, interviews, presentations, making sales calls, performance reviews (among many others) are all occasions when you might feel nervous.

So how do you stop your anxiety from getting in the way of doing yourself justice?

Nerves show we care. Nerves show that something matters. By recognising this you can make sure you are properly focused on the task ahead of you.

After recognising what is happening to you, embrace it.

Your body is reacting to the stressful situation you are in. When stressed or anxious your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which are triggering your flight or fight mechanism.

The next step is to use this chemical reaction, that may be making your heart rate soar and the palms of your hands moist, to your benefit so it helps your performance not hinders it.

Research has shown that instead of trying to calm yourself down, perhaps trying to ignore what is happening, you should reframe and re-label your nerves as excitement.

In trying to dampen down your nerves you are telling yourself that something is wrong, rather than telling yourself what a fantastic opportunity this is.

Being anxious about something is tiring as you spend precious energy fighting this feeling. By simply saying that you are excited to yourself (or out loud if you like) you stop this and instead will begin to see how you are feeling is a positive thing.

So next time you begin to feel nervous. Recognise it. Embrace it. Label it as excitement.

That way you will use your nerves and anxiety to become a powerful ally helping you perform, communicate and persuade in the way you want to.