*The Monk and the Strawberry: A Secret to Taming Performance Anxiety

Comment(s) - By Dr. David Lee Fish

Dr. David Lee Fish, Ph.D.

A seasoned performer and educator with a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Dr. David Lee Fish is the creator of Speak, Perform & Compete with Confidence, a science-backed method for overcoming performance anxiety. At Catawba College in North Carolina, he founded and directed a nationally recognized program of study for students of popular music, helping the next generation of artists find their voice—on stage and off.

The Short Question and Answer

How does the story of the monk and the strawberry help performance anxiety?

The story of the monk and the strawberry teaches mindfulness under pressure. It illustrates that even when facing perceived threats, you can choose to focus on the present moment. By savoring the immediate task rather than fighting fear, speakers and athletes can tame your nerves and find unexpected joy in front of others.

Why and How to Use This Parable

You are not alone in feeling like a high-stakes presentation or athletic competition is a life-or-death situation. Your brain often treats the fear of judgment or failure just like a physical threat. This parable offers a powerful shift in perspective. It does not ask you to pretend the danger is gone. Instead, it teaches you to shift your attention to the value of the experience itself.
The goal is to move from resistance to acceptance. When you stop fighting the anxiety (the tiger), you free up mental energy. You can then direct that energy toward the sweetness of your speech or performance (the strawberry). This approach uses authentic Zen wisdom to help you regulate emotions and improve focus when it matters most.

What is the story of the monk and the strawberry?

To understand the lesson, you must first visualize the scenario. Imagine a monk running from a tiger. He falls over a cliff edge and catches a vine. Above him, the tiger snarls. Below him, jagged rocks wait. In this moment of terrifying suspension, he notices a ripe red strawberry growing from the cliff face.
He does not panic. He does not scream. He reaches out, plucks the berry, and eats it. He exclaims how sweet it tastes. He finds joy in the present moment despite the peril surrounding him.


What Can You Do?

Do not let the tigers of fear keep you from tasting the sweetness of your potential. Whether you are a keynote speaker, a musician, or a competitive athlete, you can learn to master your mindset. Explore our courses and coaching at Little School of Fish to build lasting confidence and deliver your best performance.

FAQ

Is this just a distraction technique?
Distraction is trying to ignore reality. This is mindfulness. You are fully aware of the danger (the tiger) but you choose to engage with the positive aspect of the present moment (the strawberry).
Does this mean I won't feel nervous anymore? 
You will likely still feel nervous. The goal is not to eliminate anxiety but to function well despite it. You can perform effectively and even enjoy it while nerves are present.
Is this approach scientifically valid? 
Yes. While this is an ancient Zen parable, modern science supports it. Studies show that mindfulness improves emotional regulation, stress reduction, and focus. It is a proven tool for high-pressure situations.
Can athletes use this method? 
Absolutely. This applies to anyone facing performance pressure. Athletes can focus on the joy of the sport (the strawberry) rather than the fear of the scoreboard or the crowd (the tiger).

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Why You Freeze in the Spotlight: The Three Factors Behind Performance Anxiety
Jon Kabat-Zinn on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost (2025 Documentary)

Dr. David Lee Fish

Founder & CEO, Little School of Fish
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