Many of the world’s most elite athletes have struggled with performance anxiety, mindset, and depression. Thankfully, many of them, like Olympians Michael Phelps and Simone Biles, have been open in discussing their challenges. What an incredible service to other young athletes finding their way!
Athletes who are successful in navigating these issues all have the following in common:
First, they seek help from experts, whether it is a coach, a therapist, a sports psychologist, a meditation expert or another professional trained in science-based methods that work. Just as they would consult an orthopedist for a tendon issue, they are not embarrassed to reach out to a mind expert for a mind issue.
Second, they experiment. There are so many ways to work on mindset and you have to find the combination that works for you. Don’t give up!
Third, once you start collecting tools that work for you, begin developing your own personal mindset strategy. For example, it might include a few of the following: listening to particular songs while training or waiting to compete, a meditation or breathing practice, journaling, visualization exercises, or sleep hygiene. Then develop this practice with the same amount of attention that you develop your physical training practice. Write it down. Set the times and places you will do each element of the strategy. Then, treat your mindset strategy practice with the same importance that you treat your physical training.
