| Give Yourself Credit Nikki Lunau Every player has experienced the feeling of self-assurance and certainty. This is known as confidence. It is a state of kind that brings on success and a winning attitude. Being confident is believing in your ability to perform well: it is chooding to forcus on your strengths and attributes instead of your weakness. One reason that a player sometimes lacks complete confidence in their abilities is a tendancy to cling to, or revert to, a less talented self-image which was probably true for a long time. For example, on the way up, you were relatively less skilled than now. Now that you improved your skills, a less self-image is no longer accurate. Yet, when things are not going well, when performance is inconsistent, in hassle or high stressed situations, you are likely to regress to that old self-image. It is important to recognize and accept that the image of your less talented self is no longer valid. Your ability is proven reality. Your ability does not change from one game to the next. The confidence in your ability or your focus may change, but your ability does not suddenly change, it remains woth you. The fact that you performed well, even occasionally, means that you have the ability to perform well, you could not have performed at that level even once. Accept this kind of basic thinking about your talents and abilities: it will help you to avoid or reduce self-defeating thoughts. Confidence is a simple choice. One of approaching stressful situations as challenges and opportunities rather that threats or fears. |
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