Level Up With Confidence
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Improving your skill level and moving up a level in your sport can bring some unexpected challenges. Here are some ways you can maintain or even improve your confidence as you navigate these hurdles.
Celebrate mistakes
We tend to grow up learning mistakes are something to be minimized or avoided. Often in education and sport we receive the message that there is something wrong with us if we are making mistakes. How often have you seen or experienced being sat on the bench after making a mistake on the court? Not only are mistakes part of the learning process, they are necessary for improvement. We do not improve without them.
Allow time for adjustment
When we are levelling up or learning a new skill our body, brain, and nervous system go through an experimental process to figure out how to execute the new skill or how to do it faster, stronger, higher. Sometimes we over do it or under do it before we get it just right. Think about when you first learned to skate or ride a bike. Finding your balance took some trial and error. Sometimes when we are taking our skills to the next level, even the things we were able to do quite well before may feel like they are falling apart. We may feel like we are getting worse or going backwards in our development, when actually it is a sign of improvement.
Reframe your message
The message we give ourselves when we make mistakes is important. Often our inner critic can be quite harsh. We say things to ourselves we would never think of saying to someone else. Remind yourself that mistakes are a sign of improvement. Each one brings you closer to your goals. Closer to peak performance.
For more information on how to level up with confidence and reach your potential in all areas of your life, or help your child athlete get the support they need, book a free consultation and or first session at https://toniaandersonpsychology.janeapp.com or email tonia@toniaandersonpsycholocolgy.ca to get started.
Tonia Anderson is a Registered Psychologist (RPsych), former elite athlete and executive leadership coach, specializing in health and performance psychology. With over 25 years in peak performance, she has worked with junior, amateur, and professional athletes competing at local, provincial, national, and international levels including World Championships, Olympic Trials, Pan-Am Games, and more. Tonia works with business executives, emerging leaders, youth, first responders and individuals wanting to achieve their career, sport, and life goals.