Sports Performance Anxiety Solution
Channel: Mental Toughness Trainer
Date: 2012-01-11

http://www.mentaltoughnesstrainer.com

Sports Performance Anxiety Solution 

Hi, I'm Craig Sigl, the mental toughness trainer for youth athletes.  I was working with a 16-year-old baseball player, Bill, who would often step up to the batter's box very timidly, especially against better pitchers.

I asked him what he is thinking  when he became tentative like that and he said things like:  "That guy is fast. I don't know if my swing is quick enough.  I'm worried I'll choke and disappoint my team. 

I asked him what does it feel like when you get those thoughts. He said "scared."  Fear of failure is what holds most athletes back from achieving peak performances. 

I teach a very simple concept that does MAGIC for players ability to change their attitudes even under pressure.  I call it:  "It's an AND world". 

You use it when your confidence is low and your self talk and thoughts are negative.  You tell yourself  -I can feel this "scared" feeling AND I can still go out there and win"

In other words, go with it. Stop trying to fight being scared because the more you fight it, the worse it gets.

I'm here to tell you that you can feel scared or pressured AND still play brilliantly!  Elite athletes prove this every day. This is huge!
So the next time you think:  "I hope I don't choke", your next thought should be:  "Huh, look at that, I'm worried AND I'm going to go out there and and play my best while feeling that.

A big shift happened for Bill at his next game. The old thoughts came up when he faced the best pitcher in the league, but he ended up dominating him because he used "its an AND world" and didn't allow it to affect his play.

Even better, after a few more games, the doubting voice in his head became quiet and he was able to focus more on the fundamentals and strategy of his game.  

I'm Craig Sigl, the mental toughness trainer. Start using "It's an AND world" and watch how easy it is for you to your build confidence.

Visit http://www.teenmentaltoughness.com to download FREE: 

"The 10 Commandments For A Great Sports Parent" ebook
and  "Master The Pressure" a GAME-CHANGING guided visualization for teen athletes.