Even the best athletes have self-doubts before matches, during the competitions or during the camp.
You’re probably thinking to yourself: “is it wrong having these negative thoughts? These self-doubts? Does it mean that I’m lacking confidence? Is there something wrong with me?”
The answer is a big “NO” – you’re just human. So here’s a three step guide to help you easily and effectively deal with self-doubts.
*first step is understanding that you are human
It’s completely natural and human to have self-doubts you need to accept it because realize this: you are NOT your thoughts. You are NOT weak because you have doubts. You’re just human.
*Second step is changing your thinking patterns
Can you not think about a purple elephant? You just did. We cant control our thoughts, but we can control our thoughts patterns. Every time you have a negative thought shift to a positive one by creating a word /phrase or an action to refocus on the positives. For example: before a match, we usually start thinking “ ohh this guy is huge” or “ what if I lose?” we tend to find “logical” reasons to “why” we can lose. “I’m not in shape” . The MOMENT you have these negative thoughts use a phrase or an action to break the pattern. Like “he’s big but I’m faster, I have better technique” – create positive patterns that works for you. (I just slap myself really hard haha)
*Third step is: focus on what you’re doing good
We always try and focus on what we can improve. And that’s great. But leave that for class. You can even write down areas that you would like to improve on BUT spend the rest of the day thinking about your strengths and positives performance. After you know what you want to improve, think about the positive performance you had during the practice.
So to sum up:
Remember that you’re human and its completely normal check
Create a positive pattern to break the negative one check
Get the habits focusing on positive performance check
Hope you will find that helpful. Let me know in the comments or via DM what’s your positive pattern? Is it is a word? Sentence? an action? Or all together?
Written by Tomer Alroy, follow him on instagram @tomeralroy, and on his BJJ mindset blog: tomeralroy.com
The post This Will Change Your Competition Game. 3 Tips & Tricks To Help You Deal w/ Self Doubt. appeared first on Bjj Eastern Europe.