Positive self talk is the foundation of self-confidence, a crucial ingredient for success at the highest levels. In a previous post, Self Confidence – Replacing Our Self Doubt, we explored how comparing ourselves to others can erode our confidence. But to overcome self-doubt and build confidence, athletes must master the art of positive self talk.
Ask yourself:
- What do I tell myself when things aren’t going well?
- How do I react when I’m losing or being outperformed?
- What do I tell myself when I’m succeeding and at the top of my game?
Understanding and evaluating these internal conversations is key to thriving under pressure and achieving your full potential.
When the Chips Are Down: Harnessing Positive Self Talk in Tough Moments
The greatest athletes are often remembered for stepping up when the pressure is highest. When things aren’t going their way, their body language stays composed, and their actions reflect determination, not defeat.
To perform at this level, you must develop the ability to move past mistakes quickly and maintain a positive attitude. This mindset begins with the right self talk—the internal dialogue that shapes how you view yourself and respond to challenges.
How to Build Positive Self Talk When Facing Adversity:
- Control Negative Thoughts: If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m going to fail,” challenge that thought. Replace it with something like, “I’ve prepared for this moment. I can handle it.”
- Focus on the Present: Dwelling on past mistakes only hinders your performance. Instead, learn from them and move forward.
- Develop a ‘Yes, I Can’ Attitude: Re-frame challenges as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up.
Other strategies, like controlled breathing or talking through your thoughts with a trusted mentor, can help ground you and maintain a positive outlook during high-pressure situations.
When You’re on Top: Staying Grounded with Positive Self-Talk
It’s easy to assume that athletes at the top of their game naturally have positive self talk. While confidence often comes more easily in moments of success, the content of that self talk becomes just as critical.
Pitfalls to Avoid When You’re Excelling:
- Overconfidence: Believing you’re untouchable or “too good to fail” can lead to complacency. Remember, there’s always someone working to surpass you. Stay humble and keep putting in the effort.
- Emotional Roller Coasters: When you get “too high,” setbacks can feel devastating. Strive for emotional balance by maintaining perspective, no matter how great the victory or how tough the loss.
With the right mindset, even setbacks can become stepping stones for growth. Use every moment—positive or negative—as fuel to keep improving.
Putting It All Together: Be Positively You
Having a positive mindset doesn’t guarantee you’ll perform like Patrick Mahomes or another sports legend. However, it does give you the tools to maximize your potential and bounce back from adversity.
Strive to emulate the positive traits of your role models, but always stay true to yourself. Your journey as an athlete is unique, and success lies in becoming the best version of you.
Remember:
- Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable. What defines you is how you respond.
- Never get too high in moments of success or too low during failure.
- Stay steady, stay positive, and keep moving forward.
Positive self-talk for athletes is more than just words—it’s a mindset that empowers you to achieve greatness in sports and life.
BtL
Subscribe to our email list to get our content direct to your inbox!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
To learn more about Ball to Life and our mission, click here.
If you are struggling with mental health, reach out to somebody you trust. If you don’t know where to go, click HERE to get started.
Pingback: Self Confidence – Power of Practice - Ball To Life