Mastering the Science of Decision-Making Under Pressure
You think you’re making intentional choices. But under pressure, your brain may be deciding for you.
A practical, science-backed approach to making effective decisions under pressure – without sacrificing performance, well-being, or what matters most.
High performers are often told to manage their time, manage their stress, and push through.
But what if the real challenge to performance isn’t a lack of time or effort – it’s how choices are being made?
Under pressure, up to 95% of decisions are driven by unconscious patterns. Even the most capable professionals can find themselves reacting instead of responding – without realizing it.
This is the difference between reacting in critical moments and making decisions that move you – and your organization – forward.
In Hijacked, Paula Houlihan reveals the surprising neuroscience behind the choices you think you’re making – and why your brain’s autopilot can quietly take over when it matters most.
Through powerful storytelling, real-world examples, and a practical framework, you’ll discover how to recognize when your thinking has been hijacked and how to take back the controls in real time.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing differently.
What You’ll Gain
- Recognize when autopilot is quietly driving your decisions – even when you think you’re being intentional
- Interrupt reactive patterns in real time using the Power Pause™
- Make clear, intentional decisions under pressure
- Reduce decision fatigue without sacrificing performance
- Reprogram patterns that no longer serve your goals
- Create sustainable success without defaulting to burnout
About the Author
Paula Houlihan is a keynote speaker and executive coach specializing in decision-making under pressure and sustainable high performance.
Drawing from her background in high-stakes corporate claims and her work with organizations ranging from startups to industry leaders, she equips professionals to recognize when autopilot is driving their choices – and how to take back the controls.
Her work sits at the intersection of neuroscience and real-world performance, helping high performers operate with clarity, intention, and resilience when it matters most.
Meet My HIJACKED Launch Team
I would like to share a special thank you to the people behind the scenes who have supported me and my journey at every step and helped me launch HIJACKED into the world: Maureen Zappala, Amanda Mae Gray, Eliz Greene, Kristin Bock, Kathie Rotz, Stpehanie McHugh, Darcy Luoma, Deborah Biddle, Terra Fletcher, Lois Creamer, Nora Burns, Nicole Eull, Tina Hallis, Mike Schuster, John Nepper, Rick Czaplewski, Gina Glover, Amber Swenor, Patty Hendrickson, Kelly Bubolz, and Tina Palmgren.
Thank you also to my book reviewers: Mike Domitrz, Ford Saeks, Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown, Eliz Greene, Kristin Bock, Kathie Rotz, Darcy Luoma, Laurie Guest, Kelly Swanson, Deborah Biddle, Maureen Zappala, Terra Fletcher, Stephanie McHugh, Michi Lantz and Jess Pettitt. I value and appreciate each of you!
Get Your Copy
Available wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore.
Bring this book to your team. Contact us for bulk orders or custom requests
Put This Into Practice at Your Organization
Equip your leaders to make clear, intentional decisions under pressure, reduce costly reactive mistakes, and take back the controls when the stakes are high.
Bring Paula in for keynotes, executive coaching, and customized engagements for your teams.
