Playing with FEAR: The One Thing Holding You Back in Sport

Summary

Fear can hold athletes back, but it doesn't have to be a barrier. This video explores how fear manifests in sports through the fear of failure, the unknown, and judgment. It offers five practical tips to overcome these fears: creating a pre-performance routine to gain control, focusing on small wins to build confidence, using a fearless mantra to boost self-belief, employing a reset button to bounce back from mistakes, and adopting an acceptance attitude towards fear. These strategies help athletes harness fear as a powerful tool, ultimately enabling them to perform fearlessly and confidently.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fear can hold athletes back, especially on game day, despite performing confidently in training.
• 😀 Fear of failure is a major cause of performance anxiety and can lead to lack of confidence.
• 😀 The fear of the unknown, such as facing new opponents or unfamiliar environments, can trigger anxiety.
• 😀 The fear of criticism from coaches, teammates, or fans can lead to self-doubt and underperformance.
• 😀 A pre-performance routine gives athletes a sense of control, helping reduce fear and anxiety.
• 😀 Focusing on small wins during a game can help build confidence and reduce overwhelming feelings.
• 😀 Developing a fearless mantra can calm the mind and boost confidence during critical moments.
• 😀 Using a mental reset technique, like snapping an elastic band or re-tying shoes, helps refocus after mistakes.
• 😀 Accepting feelings of fear or anxiety as natural and channeling them into productive energy can enhance performance.
• 😀 Fear is a normal part of high-pressure situations, and it shows that an athlete cares about their performance.
• 😀 Embracing fear instead of fighting it can prevent it from crippling an athlete’s game or performance.

Q & A

What is the main emotional barrier athletes face when performing under pressure?

The main emotional barrier athletes face is fear, often manifesting as performance anxiety. This fear can lead to a lack of confidence, mistakes, and poor performance.

Why do athletes tend to perform better in training than on game day?

Athletes perform better in training because there is less pressure to succeed, and the fear of failure is not as prominent. In contrast, on game day, the stakes are higher, leading to increased anxiety and fear.

What are the primary sources of fear for athletes in performance settings?

The primary sources of fear for athletes include the fear of failure, fear of the unknown (e.g., unfamiliar opponents or environments), and fear of criticism or judgment from coaches, teammates, or fans.

How does the fear of failure impact an athlete’s performance?

The fear of failure often leads to a lack of confidence, causing athletes to play it safe, avoid taking risks, and become overly concerned with not making mistakes. This can result in a lack of impact on the game or cause them to choke in critical moments.

How does the fear of the unknown affect athletes, particularly in high-pressure situations?

The fear of the unknown triggers anxiety and uncertainty, especially when athletes are placed in unfamiliar situations, such as facing new opponents or performing in high-stakes environments. This can cause panic and a lack of focus.

What role does criticism and judgment play in an athlete’s fear?

Fear of criticism and judgment from others, such as coaches, teammates, or fans, can severely affect an athlete’s confidence. This fear often leads to self-doubt, reduced performance, and a preoccupation with avoiding mistakes.

What is a pre-performance routine and why is it important for managing fear?

A pre-performance routine is a sequence of actions athletes perform before a game or event. It helps create a sense of control and focus, which can reduce feelings of fear and anxiety. This routine allows athletes to mentally prepare for the performance.

How can focusing on small wins help overcome fear in sports?

Focusing on small wins allows athletes to break down their performance into manageable goals. This approach builds confidence as athletes experience success in smaller tasks, which helps reduce feelings of fear and allows them to gain control over the game.

What is a 'Fearless Mantra' and how does it help athletes?

A 'Fearless Mantra' is a simple phrase that athletes repeat to themselves to boost confidence and calm their nerves. It serves as a reminder to stay focused, positive, and confident, helping athletes push through moments of fear or self-doubt.

What is a reset button, and how can it help an athlete after making a mistake?

A reset button is any physical or mental action that helps an athlete clear their mind and refocus after making a mistake. Examples include snapping an elastic band, changing a wristband, or re-tying shoelaces. This action symbolizes a fresh start, helping athletes move on and regain concentration.