Just posted a new article on my blog:
Here's the introduction.
(If it's interesting, click the link to read the article.)
Nervousness is a mental condition. It is most intense when fear is greatest. Generally, the fear is based on worries of survival – actual or imaginary. In the world of pool playing, nervousness occurs when you are doing something new. It could be entering an unknown pool hall, playing an unknown opponent; or entering a tournament for the first time.
http://www.billiardgods.com/gk-can-play-better-nervous/
First let me say that I like your books. Your books on safety play are perhaps the best written on the subject.
Now for this subject, fear, which as you pointed out causes the nervousness.
Here is a mindset or a philosophy that might help also. In my experience when someone adopts this mindset they quit concerning theirself with the fear and focus on the positive outcome and the fear just goes away.
The mindset is this... "RISK IS THE ONLY ROAD TO REWARD"
This means when you want something there is usually going to be an amount of risk involved in getting it. There are 2 types of people... there are those that run towards pleasure and there are those that run away from pain. Running towards pleasure and rjnning away from pain are not the same direction. Example, If somebody is presented with an opportunity to get the ball to score the winning basket. Someone who runs toward pleasure sees this as an opportunity to shine. Someone who runs from pain starts imagining the worst case scenario. They say... "what if I fail", "everyone is going to hate me", "people will lose respect for me", whatever. The list could go on. These guys dont want the ball. They dont want to take the risk.
Here is the deal though and this is the mindset that allows someone to focus on the positive. People have to remember that the worst case scenario very rarely ever happens in almost all situations. Once you realize that then taking risks becomes much easier. If you want something go get it... even if there is a risk. Do not dwell on all of the what ifs because like I said the worst case scenario likely wont happen and almost certainly wouldnt be as bad as you imagine... but the best case scenario can only happen if you man up and take the risk. So, point being, dont be afraid, focuson what you 2ant and go get it.