Solution to Feeling Intimidated During Competition
Today, I’d like to cover another big confidence destroyer and the solution: Athletes who make comparisons and thus feel intimidated.
If you compare yourself to your opponents, you are prone to feel intimidated. Most of the time, you’ll compare yourself to athletes who you think are better than you.
This putts your competitors on a pedestal and makes you feel inferior. And this leads to a confidence-slayer I call “self-intimidation.”
Some athletes do try to intimidate their competition intentionally because they think it gives them a mental edge or feel they need to this to win.
However, most intimidation comes from athletes who psych themselves out – all on their own.
Worrying too much about the quality of the competition is the main culprit here.
For example, one athlete I work with, would feel intimidated by the ranking of his opponent. If a competitor has a high ranking, be would doubt his ability to win the match. And then he played tight and scared to lose the match.
So here’s a summary of how it works:
When you make comparisons to other athletes or performers, you’re focusing on what makes your competitors better and what you are missing. You’re thinking of what’s wrong with you–which is not good for your confidence.
What are the solution to this confidence destroyer?
The first step is to notice when you focus too much on the abilities of your opponents. Should you even focus on their talents or track record? No.
Be aware when you or your athletes…
- Give too much energy to the competition during pregame.
- Have doubts about playing well against a certain competitor or team.
- Are in awe of the competition.
- Feel inferior to the competition and make comparisons to others.
The second step is to focus on your own talents and strengths, not others. Sounds simple, right? We know it’s not that simple. Start by making a list of your strengths or assets as an athlete. Focus on your talents at game time.
Don’t put other athletes on a pedestal. When you put them on a pedestal, you look up to them and assume they are the best. You are in awe of them.
Also, think about competing to the best of your ability instead of competing against athletes who look good, or who have big names, or who intimidate you.
Comparing yourself to others hurts your confidence and success. It intimidates you. Instead, focus on your own strengths and talents and on your performance.
Always remember that your opponents are human too and they are not perfect.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- Why Athletes Become Intimidated – Peaksports Video
- Self-Intimidation for Athletes
- How To Perform Well Despite A Hostile Crowd
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