Your athlete is avoiding this F Word: FEAR.
It’s that sick feeling that creeps in just before a big game.
The voice that whispers:
“What if I mess up?”
“What if I’m not good enough?”
That’s FEAR speaking, and it’s time to tell it to SHUT UP!
As a 2X Olympian, I’ve felt that fear. I’ve been in those high-stakes moments, where FEAR FOLLOWED and FOUND me.
Back then, I didn’t know what to do about it.
As a Mental Toughness Coach, I teach my clients this:
FEAR is a FEELING
COURAGE is an ACTION
Athletes can CHOOSE to do something COURAGEOUS even when they feel fearful.
So, the next time your athlete FEELS FEAR lurking, remind them to FACE it.
FACE the FEAR, then choose to do something courageous.
When they make that CHOICE, fear will no longer make them FREEZE, or HIDE, or AVOID.
Sport is a series of storms; most of them are EMOTIONAL and it's common for FEAR to be right in the middle of it. Help your athlete CALM THE STORM by FACING their FEAR, and choosing a courageous action. That's what their Greatest Self would do.
CHANGE DOESN'T TAKE TIME. IT TAKES COURAGEOUS ACTION.
PS: Did you know I do workshops for teams and FREE workshops for parents?
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