I recently started a new job with the University of Utah Professional MBA program as a coordinator, which has re-opened up my evenings and weekends to work with athletes in the Salt Lake area. I wanted to restart this blog as a sample of what I work on with the athletes I coach in mental toughness. While Headstrong is working with the Mountain West Elite camp each Friday and Saturday this April and May, I am highlighting only the sessions that I am conducting. Each of us at Headstrong have our own style and voice, and I don't want to try and emulate the other consultants.
Last Saturday morning at 7:30 AM, in the cold wind, I addressed the younger group of 7th and 8th graders. After years of tutoring junior high and high school students in a more academic setting, I've learned that I like to deliver things in just a couple simple, basic points for each concept that I teach on. This day's theme of the camp: CONFIDENCE. Below is a brief overview of what I went over with the athletes.
What is confidence? It is your belief in your ability to be successful. People will always have their own opinions about your abilities, but I'm talking about what you think about yourself. Specifically, what do you say to yourself when things are going poorly?
Think of being a good teammate. When someone fumbles or misses an assignment, are you yelling at them, telling them how awful they are? Or are you encouraging them and helping them move forward to the next play? On the flip side, what do you say to yourself when you mess up? Why would you treat yourself any other way you treat your teammate?
Confidence is not only what you say to yourself, but it's reflected in how you carry yourself; it's about your body language. You can't just talk the talk to yourself, you need to walk the walk. Right now, sit up or stand up tall, Shoulders back; head held high. Say to yourself, "I'm the worst." Now reverse it. Slouch and/or display your worst body language and say, "I'm the best." It's tough to believe yourself, right? The mind follows the body, and the body follows the mind.
Want to work on your confidence? Work on talking the talk to yourself AND walking the walk. You'll feel more confident the more you work on it.
**Interested in working with me or any of the Headstrong Consulting staff? Shoot us an email or me directly. First session is always free!**
Sean Davenport, M.S.
Sport Psychology Consultant
Headstrong Consulting
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