Three Keys to Building Confidence in Athletes
Confidence is essential for athletes, but many make the mistake of tying it solely to their emotions or how they perform in the moment. Truly confident people understand that self-confidence is built through consistent actions and mental preparation before the game even begins. It's time for athletes to build a foundation of confidence to withstand challenges and pressures using preparation, positive self-talk and body langauge.
Why Confident People Focus on Actions, Not Feelings
It’s natural for athletes to feel that their confidence is tied to how well they play or how many goals they score. But feelings and emotions are fleeting, and they can shift drastically during a game from a list of factors that are way beyond anything they can change. Relying on feelings alone can lead to a dip in performance. Instead, confident athletes build their self-belief on actions they can control.
The Pitfall of Negative Thoughts and External Factors
One of the biggest challenges for athletes is allowing negative thoughts about external factors to affect their mindset. These uncontrollable elements can significantly lower an athlete’s confidence if they’re not careful. Here are some examples:
Playing Time: While athletes can influence their playing time through effort, the final decision rests with the coach.
Opponents: The skill level of the opposing team is beyond control. Sometimes, the other team is simply more talented or has a lucky break.
Environment: Factors like weather conditions, fan behavior, and noise levels are out of an athlete's control.
Officials: No one agrees 100% with a referee’s decisions. Learning to accept calls and focus on what can be done is key.
Injuries: Even with the best physical preparation, athletes can’t control unexpected injuries.
Building Confidence: What You Can Control
Instead of dwelling on these uncontrollable factors, confident athletes focus on what they can impact. This helps them avoid negative thoughts and build resilience. Below are three key elements that every athlete should focus on to develop and maintain confidence.
1. Body Language: Present Yourself Like a Confident Person
Body language plays a significant role in how athletes can unlock performance potential, simply by how they present themselves. Confident people project assurance through their posture, eye contact, and purposeful movements. Adopting confident body language can actually help shift your mindset in a positive direction.
Stand Tall: Good posture not only projects confidence to others but also helps you gain more confidence.
Maintain Eye Contact: Looking your teammates, coaches, and opponents in the eye conveys assertiveness.
Controlled Movements: Move with intention and purpose. People with low self-esteem are not are deliberate in their actions, and don't show self-assurance with every step.
2. Positive Self-Talk: Replace Negative Thoughts with Constructive Feedback
Self-talk is a powerful tool in improving low confidence. What you say to yourself directly affects how you feel about your abilities. Confident people use positive self-talk to silence negative thoughts, focusing on what they can do instead of what they fear might go wrong.
Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself regularly that “I am strong, capable, and ready.” Phrases like “I’ve got this” can shift your mindset.
Constructive Feedback: After a mistake, don’t dwell on it. Instead, think about how you can improve. Replace “I messed up” with “Next time, I’ll adjust my approach.”
Consistency: Practice positive self-talk regularly. Make it part of your daily routine, not just something you do before a big game.
3. Preparation: Confidence Comes from Knowing You’ve Done the Work
Nothing builds confidence like preparation. When athletes know they’ve done everything they can to be ready, they can trust in their abilities during the game. Preparation goes beyond physical training; it includes mental rehearsals and a deep understanding of your strategy.
Physical Training: Consistent practice and conditioning are the foundations of your readiness.
Mental Rehearsals: Visualizing success and running through game scenarios in your mind can increase your confidence.
Strategic Planning: Know the game plan and your role in it inside and out. Understanding the strategy helps you feel prepared to execute it.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Is Built on Preparation and Mindset
By focusing on body language, positive self-talk, and preparation, athletes can build a strong foundation of confidence that carries them through any challenge. Confident people don’t let external factors or negative thoughts dictate their mindset. Instead, they focus on what they can control and trust in their abilities.
So, stand tall, replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, and know that your confidence is rooted in preparation, not just the outcome. Embrace these strategies, understand that you are capable of a growth mindset not a fixed mindset and you’ll perform at your best, no matter what comes your way.
Coach Kristin Tullo is a certified Mental Performance Mastery Coach and creator of Think Strong. Play Strong that has over 10 years of experience with athletes from the youth to collegiate levels.
