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Confidence Belief
BY VIRGINIA SAVAGE FLORIDA TODAY
No doubt, the biggest barrier between you and your goal in soccer (or
anything else) is your brain. It is also your biggest asset. The most
critical element in accomplishing goals and overcoming difficult odds is
your ability to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Of course, this is not as easy as
it sounds. Wanting to achieve and believing that you CAN are two
different things. Desire can be a powerful motivator but if there is any
doubt in your ability to play against formidable odds, or even to
perform without your lucky socks, then desire can quickly turn into
frustration and anxiety… and ultimately even work against you.
Believing is much more than hoping. Michelle Akers, a Central Florida
high school graduate, is a great example. In 1999, she overcame the
debilitating effects of a chronic disease (CFIDS) to lead the U.S.
Women’s Soccer Team to another World Cup victory. Although her disease
is invisible to the observer, Michelle made it especially invisible as
she gave the game 110% of her available energy, finally collapsing at
the end of regulation time (the game was won in overtime) after
preventing a winning goal by the Chinese team. “Impossible is just
another word for Work Harder” writes Dan Voss, one author of her story.
We marvel at our “heroes,” not just in soccer but in all walks of life,
who have made the “impossible” possible and inspired us to believe in
our own potential. If you read or listen to their words take notice of
the language they use and begin to reflect on your own. Words like
“determined”, “faith”, “commitment” and “inspired” pop up everywhere.
Likewise, listen to the language of people who always seem frustrated
and limited in their achievements…. “I could never do that”, “if only…”,
“who cares anyway.” Luck and fairness seem to define the arguments of
failure. Believing in the “possible” defines the character of success.
This leads us to the next practice session of mental toughness…
developing a language of BELIEF.
Begin to notice your own words and
change negative statements to positive ones (change “I can’t” to “I
will”… even if you don’t quite believe it YET).
Add the word YET to any negative
statements that escape your head. Notice how this change creates a
subtle difference in the way you feel.
Omit the word “try” whenever you can. It implies that you don’t
really believe you can, that you are giving yourself an excuse to
fail if it happens.
Omit the word “but” and replace it with “and.” The word “but”
dismisses everything said before it.
Begin to focus only on what you WANT.
Avoid focusing on the “what-if’s”.
Post notes
on the wall in your room, on your mirror, in your locker, in your books…
that say I BELIEVE. Practice repeating it to yourself over and over.
And
finally, change takes time. What seemed impossible two years ago may
seem entirely possible now that your ability to succeed is just a matter
of time. Henry Ford (founder of the American car industry) once said,
“whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.”
Indeed, your thoughts determine your destiny.
Dr. Virginia Savage is a Sport Psychology
consultant offering services locally and nationally in a wide variety of
sports.
www.savageperformance.net
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