As the new year approaches, athletes typically set ambitious goals for the upcoming season. Whether that is achieving personal bests, conquering new challenges, or maybe even starting something new, the journey begins with the end in mind. Athletes can gain an advantage by embracing the often-overlooked practice of reflection.
Reflective practice has a transformative impact on an athlete’s performance. This practice involves taking the time to introspectively examine past experiences, acknowledging successes, and learning from setbacks. It’s a crucial tool that serves as the foundation for effective goal setting – a guide for setting up a more focused, intentional, and successful journey in the year ahead.
One of the key benefits of reflective practice is heightened self-awareness. Athletes who regularly engage in reflection gain valuable insights by understanding their psychological landscape. From there, athletes can tailor their goals to align with their unique situation. This self-awareness becomes the compass guiding them through the peaks and valleys of their athletic endeavors.
Additionally, reflective practice serves as a potent antidote to burnout. Athletes often find themselves caught in a relentless pursuit of achievement, neglecting the importance of mental and emotional well-being. And rest. Reflective practice provides that intentional pause button—a chance to recalibrate, recharge, and recover with a refreshed perspective. By acknowledging the good, the great, and the not-so-great, athletes can set goals prioritizing sustainable growth and long-term success without the mental and physical exhaustion that leads to burnout.
Consider a runner who experienced a series of injuries during the previous season. Through reflective practice, they can pinpoint the contributing factors, such as overtraining or improper warm-up routines. With this knowledge, the athlete can set realistic goals for the new year, incorporating injury prevention strategies and gradually building up their training intensity. This approach not only enhances performance but can potentially minimize the risk of setbacks. (And maybe a plan to incorporate mental training routines for when they’re unable to run.)
Reflective practice cultivates resilience—a crucial quality for athletes navigating the unpredictableness of competition. By overcoming past challenges (and acknowledging them!), athletes develop a deeper confidence base that propels them forward. This resilience can help shield them from self-doubt, setbacks, and external pressures, ensuring they stay on course to achieve their goals.
To integrate reflective practice into your goal-setting process, start a reflective journal. Regularly document your training sessions, competitions, and emotions associated with each experience. Ask yourself what worked well, what could be improved, and what lessons you can extract.
The road to successful goal-setting in the new year begins not with a sprint but with a reflective jog down memory lane. Athletes who invest time in introspection and self-analysis gain a competitive advantage by setting goals grounded in self-awareness. May this new year bring not just accomplishments, but also new wisdom gained through the power of reflective practice.
We’re diving into the high-octane world of mental skills, where the secret sauce isn’t just physical – it’s all in your head!
I’m your coach on this journey, aiming to break down the essentials without drowning you in unnecessary hype. From shredding slopes to bowl dropping, let’s explore the foundational mental skills that can transform you into a psychological dynamo. Ready to delve into the crucial world of mental skills that can elevate your game to the next level? Here are 5 types of mental skills to master your sport:
Confidence – Swagger Like a Champion
Confidence, my thrill-seeking comrades, is not simply about rocking the swagger but embodying the spirit of one. Picture yourself dropping into life’s challenges with the cool confidence of a pro skater nailing a kickflip down a massive stair set. It’s not cockiness; it’s knowing you’ve got the skills to conquer any mental halfpipe or downhill slope.
Concentration – Laser Focus for Epic Feats
Think of concentration as your mental turbo boost, the gnarly ability to zero in on that next mind-blowing trick or maneuver. Crush those mental distractions like you’re slashing through a killer wave, and soon you’ll be in the zone, pulling off tricks that’ll leave everyone in awe.
Emotion Management – Ride the Storm with Style
Life (and sport) is an emotional rollercoaster, but with composure, you’re the one setting the pace. Navigate through the chaos with the grace of a freestyle motocross rider soaring through the air. Keep your cool, adjust your mental gears, and ride the storm – cool, calm, collected. Composure isn’t about suppressing your wild side; it’s about taming it like a motocross maestro pulling off jaw-dropping stunts.
Communication – X-Games Level Mental Telepathy
Communication in sports isn’t just talking; it’s the X-Games level of mental telepathy. Communication is the unspoken language binding your crew. Non-verbal cues speak louder than words, creating a rhythm that elevates your team game. Mastering this silent symphony not only refines your connection but also propels your squad to conquer challenges with precision and confidence.
Control – Mastering the Art of Mental Freestyle
Control is your backstage pass to navigating the intricate pathways of your mind – the art of mental freestyle that lets you orchestrate your moves with finesse. It’s not about suppressing the chaos; it’s about turning it outward and onto your playing surface. Sometimes that means: riding the energy, embracing the chaos, and as you refine your control, you construct a path to success with every move.
In the realm of extreme sports, mastering your mental skills isn’t just a game-changer; it’s the key to unlocking a whole new level of epic. Keep it weird!
We’re all coming up on this frantic messaging regarding the END OF THE YEAR, and look, I know it’s A LOT. But I also find something refreshing about January 1 and this mindset shift and ability to wipe the slate clean and start anew. That’s not to say you can’t start making moves now to make New Year’s Day… well, make sense. At the VERY least, can you get Day One opened on your advent calendar? 😉
Here are a few articles that I’ve bookmarked for when you feel yourself inching toward this refresh:
What to look for in a running coach {via Colorado Mountain Living & Running substack} – I’d argue that many of these items are applicable to finding a mental skills coach, too!
Welcome to Weird Wednesday – where I highlight the awesomely weird in the world of sports!
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up! It’s another Weird Wednesday, and today I’m diving elbow-deep into the weird world of arm wrestling. This isn’t your grandmother’s game of “Mercy” in the schoolyard. Arm wrestling isn’t just about who has the strongest arm. It’s a battle of brawn AND brain. As with any sport, your mental game can be the difference between winning and losing. Arm wrestlers have to stay focused, calm, and outsmart their opponents.
Guns & Poses: Hooked, Lined, and Stinker
In the world of arm wrestling, there’s no shortage of strength and strategy. The goal, it seems, isn’t just to slam your opponent’s hand into the table, but there also is a bit of style to it. Take the “Top Roll” where you twist your opponent’s wrist like you’re opening a stubborn jar of pickles. Then there’s the “Hook,” where it looks like two giant crabs are arm-wrestling instead of humans. Here are some other strategic moves I found:
The Silent Stare-Down: Maintaining intense eye contact with your opponent can be as unnerving as a death stare from a statue. It’s a psychological warfare tactic. The longer you stare, the weaker they become. Oh man, would I love to work with someone on training this kind of psychological state!
The Distraction Technique: Start discussing the latest episode of a popular TV show, and while they’re trying to remember if Jon Snow really knew nothing, you seize the opportunity and go for the win.
The “Oops, I Slipped” Trick: Pretend your hand slipped, give your opponent a false sense of security, and then snatch victory from their unsuspecting grasp.
Weird Flex
Arm wrestling has generally accepted rules and guidelines that are followed by various arm wrestling organizations and events. These rules are often similar across different competitions and are designed to ensure fairness and safety.
Arm wrestling matches take place on what’s called “The Table.” It’s like a wrestling ring for your upper limbs and Popeye forearms. The sport of arm wrestling has a formal set of rules and regulations that is as complex as any other professional sport. These rules govern everything from the positioning of the arms and hands to the use of specific equipment like the tables, elbow pads, and grip aids. Additionally, there are strict rules about the behavior and conduct of the competitors, including how they grip, where their shoulders and elbows must be, and how fouls are determined. In gameplay, there is also a set of referees who enforce these rules.
Here are the basic rules of arm wrestling:
Hand Placement: Both competitors must stand or sit at the arm wrestling table with their arms extended horizontally, gripping each other’s hand.
Grip: The grip is typically palm-to-palm, with the fingers interlocked. It’s essential that both competitors have a fair and firm grip to start the match.
Elbow Position: The competitors’ elbows should be placed firmly on the arm wrestling table, and they must not lift or slide their elbows during the match. Lifting or sliding the elbow can result in a foul.
The “Go” Signal: An official or a designated person will give the signal for the match to begin, often saying, “Ready, Go!” or a similar command. Competitors must start arm wrestling only after this signal.
Match Progression: Once the match begins, both competitors use their arm and upper body strength to try and pin their opponent’s arm to the table. The objective is to force the opponent’s hand, wrist, and forearm down to a 90-degree angle with the table. It’s common for arm wrestling matches to be a best-of-three or best-of-five format, depending on the rules of the competition.
Fouls: Various fouls can result in a restart of the match or disqualification. Common fouls include lifting the elbow, slipping out of the grip, using the shoulder to gain an advantage, and false starts (starting before the “Go” signal).
Winning the Match: To win a match, a competitor must pin their opponent’s hand and forearm to the table. The first person to do this is declared the winner of that round. In a tournament or multi-round match, the competitor who wins the predetermined number of rounds first (e.g., best of three or best of five) is declared the overall winner.
Breaking the Grip: If the grip between competitors cannot be maintained or if there is a stalemate, the referee may call for a restart or a strap match. A strap is a device that prevents the competitors from breaking their grip, and it can be used to ensure a fair match.
It’s important to note that arm wrestling can be physically demanding and should be practiced with proper technique to avoid injury. Additionally, rules and regulations can vary in different arm wrestling organizations. Two of the major professional leagues include the World Armwrestling League (WAL) and the Ultimate Armwrestling League (UAL).
Fun Fact: In competitive arm wrestling, there are separate rankings and competitions for left-handed and right-handed arm wrestlers!
At Arms Length: The Legends of the Arm-Wrestling Arena
Arm wrestling has its own celebrities, like Devon “No Limits” Larratt and Travis “The Beast” Bagent, well-known in the sport for their achievements and rivalries. Legends like Denise Wattles and Sarah Backman (known as the “Queen of Arms”). Wattles is a highly accomplished arm wrestler from the United States. She’s known for her impressive strength and technique and has achieved numerous titles and records in arm wrestling competitions. Backman is a former professional arm wrestler from Sweden who has won numerous championships and is one of the most prominent female arm wrestlers in the world.
These female athletes have contributed significantly to the sport of arm wrestling and have their own dedicated fan bases. They’re proof that arm wrestling isn’t just a man’s game, and women can excel in the sport as well. But since we mentioned the men, they have their own legends, including John “The Pulling John” Brzenk, Travis “The Beast” Bagent, and Devon “No Limits” Larratt.
Elbow… Grease?
Let us not forget this 80s classic
I love movies like this that display more than just the turmoil of sport – athletes, all of us, are complicated characters.
Muscles and Mind Games
“Arm wrestling taught me that you can either be strong or smart – or you can be both and dominate the table.”
Mental training is a crucial aspect of arm wrestling, just as it is in any competitive sport. Here are five mental training tips for arm wrestlers to help improve performance:
1. Visualization: Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse your arm wrestling matches. Imagine yourself successfully executing your strategies and techniques. This mental imagery can boost your confidence and prepare you for various scenarios.
2. Focus on Breathing: Controlled breathing is key to staying calm and composed during a match. Focus on deep, rhythmic breaths to maintain your composure and reduce anxiety. Controlled breathing can also help you stay relaxed and use your strength effectively.
3. Develop a Routine: Establish a pre-match routine to get into the right mental state. This could involve listening to music, a specific warm-up routine, or other rituals that help you feel mentally prepared and focused.
4. Positive Self-Talk: Monitor your self-talk and ensure it’s positive and encouraging. Replace self-doubt with affirmations of your skills and capabilities. Building mental resilience through positive self-talk can help you maintain confidence, even when facing a tough opponent.
5. Mindfulness Training: Work on developing mindfulness skills through daily practice. Mindfulness training, like meditation, can help you stay present and focused during matches and effectively manage stress responses.
Keep your friends close, but your competitors closer – you never know when you’ll need to surprise twist your way to victory!
Arm wrestling: a sport that combines brute strength, strategy, and a dash of theatrics to create a spectacle that’s not to be missed. Whether you’re in it for the entertainment, the muscle, or the pure spectacle of it all, arm wrestling is there to flex its weirdness right in your face, and it’s not to be underestimated.
There are varied positive outcomes of enhancing your confidence in sport – which can directly contribute to an athlete’s performance and overall experience:
Improved Overall Performance: Confidence often leads to better performance. When athletes believe in their abilities, they are more likely to execute their skills effectively, take calculated risks, and push their limits.
Increased Motivation: Confidence can boost an athlete’s motivation to train and compete. When athletes believe they can succeed, they are more likely to invest the time and effort required to improve their skills.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Confident athletes tend to have better concentration and focus during competition. They are less likely to be distracted by self-doubt or anxiety.
Greater Resilience: Confidence helps athletes bounce back from setbacks and failures. They are more likely to view failures as learning opportunities and continue working towards their goals.
Better Decision-Making: Confidence can lead to more effective decision-making during competition. Athletes are more likely to make sound judgments under pressure when they trust in their abilities.
Reduced Anxiety: Confidence can help reduce performance anxiety. When athletes believe in themselves, they are less likely to be overwhelmed by nerves or self-doubt.
Positive Mindset: Confidence is often associated with a positive and optimistic mindset, which can contribute to an overall sense of well-being in sports.
Increased Risk-Taking: Confident athletes are more willing to take calculated risks, which can lead to breakthrough performances and unexpected successes.
Better Team Dynamics: Confidence can positively influence team dynamics. Confident athletes tend to be more supportive of their teammates and contribute to a more positive team environment.
Enhanced Leadership: In team sports, confident athletes often emerge as leaders, motivating and guiding their teammates through their own self-assured demeanor.
Long-Term Development: Confidence can be a catalyst for long-term development in a sport. Athletes who consistently build and maintain confidence are more likely to pursue their athletic careers with dedication and passion.
It’s important to note that while confidence can have positive outcomes, excessive overconfidence can lead to complacency and poor decision-making. Striking the right balance is crucial for optimal performance and development in sports.
Welcome to Weird Wednesday – where I highlight the awesomely weird in the weird world of sports!
I have become obsessed with learning more about the sport of competitive eating, thanks to the book “Raw Dog” which introduces readers to the awe of the sport (alongside a written travel journey/history of the hot dog).
Are you ready to embark on a journey to the world of sports where hunger is the ultimate adversary, and gluttony is the name of the game? Welcome to the weird universe of competitive food eating! 🌭🏆
No Guts No Glory
In the realm of sports, competitive food eating stands as a stomach-churning anomaly (admittedly, it’s *really* hard to watch videos of people eating). I wondered: what drives competitive eaters to push the boundaries of gastronomic endurance?
Joey Chestnut, a legend in this field, devoured 76 (SEVENTY-SIX!) hot dogs in 10 minutes. It’s got to be more than just really liking to eat, right?
Competitive eaters often take on a diverse range of food challenges to showcase their eating skills. While specific events and challenges can vary, some of the foods and challenges competitive eaters have tackled may include: Hamburgers, pizza, wings, tacos, ice cream, spicy foods (featuring extremely spicy foods, such as hot peppers, hot sauces, or curries), pasta, and desserts.
There is also a professional league that oversees many of the aforementioned food showcases: Major League Eating. Pick your fighter eater.
More Than Just a Stomach
Competitive food eating is a sport that defies conventional expectations.
Michelle Lesco, hot dogs, gyoza, rib meat: “Competitive eating is a mental game. You have to stay focused, block out distractions, and stay true to your strategy.”
Beyond the apparent spectacle of devouring massive quantities of food, it delves into the realms of discipline, strategy, and athletic preparation. Competitive eaters are not merely eating enthusiasts; they are dedicated athletes. They engage in intensive training routines, which include refining their technique, mastering the art of portion control, and undertaking jaw-strengthening exercises. Yet, it’s not just physical prowess that sets them apart; it’s their mental fortitude. These athletes enter each competition with a game plan, meticulously calculating the optimal approach to conquer their opponents. They cultivate the mental abilities to navigate discomfort and fatigue, thereby turning what may appear as an indulgent pursuit into a well-balanced fusion of physical strength and mental fortitude. Competitive food eating is a multifaceted sport that demands much more than a stomach—it demands dedication, preparation, and an unwavering appetite for victory.
The Digestion Dilemma
Of course, all that eating comes with a price. Competitive eaters often face the aftermath of their epic feasts with a mix of satisfaction and digestive distress.
Hot Wings competitor, anonymous: “It’s a battle on both ends… You’ve got to have a strong stomach and nerves of steel. Let’s just say, my bathroom knows me pretty well after a competition.”
(My reader, I am sorry.)
In the competitive food-eating arena, triumph is often followed by the less glamorous side of the sport—the digestion dilemma. Consuming massive quantities of food in a short span can challenge even the most robust stomachs. Competitors must carefully manage post-competition discomfort and, occasionally, digestive distress. It’s a reminder that beyond the spectacle, these athletes endure physical strains and face genuine health concerns. Competitive food eaters diligently work to strike a balance between their passion for the sport and the well-being of their bodies, making it a sport that demands not only mental fortitude but also responsible self-care.
The Heart, Mind & Stomach of a Champion
In the world of competitive food eating, champions are crowned based on their ability to consume colossal amounts of food in record time. But beyond the sheer gluttony, there’s a camaraderie among competitors and a sense of pushing the limits that binds them together.
Whether you’re an aspiring competitive eater or just a curious spectator, competitive eating can be physically demanding and mentally taxing. Train your mind to recognize discomfort and fatigue by setting mental resilience goals during practice sessions.
“The sport of competitive eating is as much, if not more, mental, as it is physical” – the “Black Widow” of Competitive Eating, Sonya Thomas.
Sonya points to nervousness or lack of focus as potential impacts on her performance, particularly when she needs to be attuned to the “speed of swallow.” Here are a few tips to address the specific mental challenges and strategies relevant to competitive food eating, that might help YOU excel in this unconventional sport:
Visualize Your Eating Strategy: Prior to a competition, visualize yourself at the table, strategically tackling the food challenge. Imagine your technique, the rhythm of your bites, and how you’ll pace yourself throughout the event.
Stay Present with Each Bite: Focus on the present during competition. Concentrate on the taste, texture, and swallowing process of each bite you take. By staying mindful of the food, you can maintain control of your pace. Regularly practice mindful eating!
Focus on the Process: Instead of fixating on the final outcome or the sheer volume of food you need to consume, concentrate on the process of eating. Break the challenge down into smaller, manageable portions, and stay focused on one bite at a time. This can prevent feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
Adapt to Changing Conditions: Competitive eating can vary in terms of food type, portion size, and competition rules. And then there’s the potential for digestion issues. 🥴 Have a flexible mindset that allows you to adjust your strategy as needed during the event.
Who knew that a sport involving hotdogs and pies could leave us all so hungry for more? 🌭🥧😂
Over on Insta, I’ve been asked for some recommendations on how to work on your mental game this summer in the off-season. Sure, the sun is shining, and the water is calling, but that doesn’t mean your mental game can’t catch some much-deserved attention. Gear up!
Find Your Zen Zone: Picture this: You’re hanging ten on your board, flying through the air on your BMX, or soaring above the halfpipe. The key to success? A zen-like state of mind. Take some time this summer to explore different relaxation techniques that resonate with you. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or even knitting (hey, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it), find your bliss and let it wash over you like a gentle wave.
Embrace the Power of Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine your ultimate triumphs on the course, in the ring, or on the track. Visualize every move, every trick, every victory. Become the director of your own mental blockbuster. By visualizing success, you’ll prime your mind and body to make it a reality. Plus, it’s a great excuse to wear a coach’s hat while practicing!
Create Your Mental Soundtrack: Music is the secret weapon that fuels our souls, and the same goes for your mental game. Find tunes that get your blood pumping and put you in the zone. Build a playlist that’s as epic as your biggest tricks. Feel free to belt out your favorite power ballads while pretending to be the star of your own alternative sports movie montage. Trust me, you’ll feel like a champion before you even hit the dirt.
Embrace Failure (Yes, Really!): We’ve all tasted the bitter tang of failure. But guess what? It’s an essential ingredient in the recipe for success. Embrace your falls, crashes, and face-plants with a sense of humor. Laugh in the face of adversity and let it fuel your determination. Remember, the road to becoming a mental game ninja is paved with wipeouts. So, get up, dust yourself off, and show the world what you’re made of.
Seek Out Community: Behind every successful athlete is a support network that knows the importance of laughter, high-fives, and healthy competition. Surround yourself with fellow alternative sport enthusiasts who understand your passion, share your goals, and never hesitate to give you a friendly push (or shove) when you need it most. Remember, birds of a feather ride together.
Keep the Fun Alive: Last but definitely not least, never forget why you fell in love with your sport in the first place. It’s not all about winning medals and topping leaderboards (though those things are pretty sweet). Keep the fun alive by trying new tricks, exploring new terrains, and pushing the limits of what you thought was possible. After all, what’s the point of going big if you’re not having a blast along the way?
Summer doesn’t have to mean an end to training – just a shift in focus, my thrill-seeking comrades. Remember, the real victory is in conquering your fears, embracing your passion, and soaring to new heights—both on and off the playing field. And remember, HAVE FUN.
My coaching services include helping athletes with managing burnout. Burnout has been at the forefront of my work since undergrad – when I looked at the burnout rates specific to sport organizations themselves. Complemented by my master’s work in sport psychology (and my thesis research on athlete burnout in DIY/alternative sport spaces), I can focus on this work with my clients.
So, why does burnout happen to some of us and not everyone (not even if we’re on the same team)? And how can we, as athletes, recover from it?
Athletes are known for their commitment and dedication to their sport. However, this level of dedication can also lead to burnout, which can negatively impact their performance and overall well-being. Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that results from prolonged stress and can manifest as reduced motivation, fatigue, and feelings of detachment. In order to prevent burnout and maintain peak performance, athletes can benefit from a routine that focuses on managing stress, promoting self-care, and building resilience.
Manage Stress: Stress is a common factor that can contribute to burnout in athletes. Therefore, it is important for athletes to learn effective stress management strategies. This can include techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. By managing stress, athletes can reduce the negative impact of stress on their physical and mental well-being.
Promote Self-Care: Athletes often prioritize their sport over their own self-care, which can lead to burnout. Therefore, it is important for athletes to prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in relaxation techniques. By taking care of their physical and mental well-being, athletes can improve their resilience and prevent burnout.
Build Resilience: Resilience refers to an individual’s ability to adapt to stress and overcome adversity. Athletes can build resilience by developing a growth mindset, setting realistic goals, and practicing positive self-talk. By building resilience, athletes can better cope with stress and setbacks, which can prevent burnout.
Develop a Support Network: A support network can provide athletes with emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. Athletes can develop a support network by building positive relationships with coaches, teammates, family, and friends. By having a support network, athletes can better manage stress and prevent burnout.
Embrace Recovery: Recovery is an essential component of athletic performance and preventing burnout. Athletes can embrace recovery by incorporating rest days into their training schedule, engaging in active recovery techniques, and prioritizing sleep. By embracing recovery, athletes can improve their physical and mental well-being, which can prevent burnout.
Preventing burnout is essential for athletes to maintain optimal performance and overall well-being. Make sure that you have a training plan that focuses on managing stress, promoting self-care, building resilience, developing a support network, and embracing recovery, athletes can prevent burnout and achieve their goals in a sustainable way.
The power of imagery is an often overlooked skill, but it can be a game-changer when it comes to boosting performance and confidence. Here are some tips to help you harness the power of imagery:
Picture yourself succeeding: Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you prepare for competition and overcome self-doubt. Before a big game or race, take a few minutes to close your eyes and picture yourself performing at your best. Imagine yourself making that winning goal, crossing the finish line with a new PR, or nailing that tricky maneuver. The more vivid and detailed your mental image is, the better.
Use all your senses: When you’re visualizing, don’t just rely on your sight. Engage all your senses to make your mental image as realistic as possible. Imagine the sound of the crowd cheering, the feel of the ball in your hands or the skates on your feet, the smell of the grass or the sweat on your skin (maybe not those sweaty wrist guards 🤢). The more sensory details you can include, the more effective your visualization can be.
Make it a habit: Visualization is not a one-time trick. To reap the benefits, you need to make it a regular part of your mental training routine. Try to visualize before each practice or game, and even during downtime or before bed. The more you practice, the easier and more natural it will become.
Stay positive: Visualization can be a double-edged sword if you’re not careful. If you picture yourself failing or making mistakes without course correction, you’re only reinforcing negative beliefs and self-doubt. I encourage the focus on positive outcomes and successes. Even if you don’t achieve exactly what you envisioned, you’ll still have a more optimistic and confident mindset.
Close your eyes, picture yourself kicking ass 🍑, and get ready to crush the competition.
Roller derby is not for the faint of heart. You need to be tough, agile, and confident to succeed on the track. But how can you develop that confidence and stay on top of your game? Here are some tips to help you unleash your inner badass and conquer your opponents (and maybe even that nagging negative self-talk):
Fake it till you make it: Sometimes, confidence is all about attitude. Even if you’re feeling nervous or unsure, try to act like you’re the coolest, most badass skater out there. Chances are, your opponents (and that inner nag) will feel intimidated, and you’ll start to believe in yourself too.
Channel your inner Beyoncé: If anyone knows how to own the stage, it’s Queen Bey. Whenever you’re feeling insecure or doubtful, imagine yourself as Beyoncé, slaying the game with your moves and your confidence. Who run the world? Roller derby skaters, that’s who. Embrace that derby alter-ego!
Don’t let your falls bring you down: Let’s face it, falling is part of roller derby. But don’t let your falls (or your bruises) get the best of you. Instead, see them as opportunities to learn and improve. And hey, at least you have a badass battle scar to show off.
Surround yourself with your squad: Your teammates are your support system on and off the track. When you’re feeling unsure or insecure, lean on them for encouragement and motivation. And don’t forget to return the favor when they need it too.
Remember why you’re doing this: Roller derby is a challenging, but ultimately rewarding sport. Whenever you’re feeling discouraged or doubtful, remind yourself why you love roller derby in the first place. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush, the camaraderie, or the chance to wear badass boutfits under the guise of your super-persona, focus on what makes roller derby awesome for you.
As a roller derby athlete AND a mental performance specialist, I know that roller derby is more than just a sport. It’s a way of life. That’s why I offer mental performance consulting services tailored to the unique needs of skaters. My goal is to help you crush your opponents and your inner doubts, so you can become the confident, badass skater you were born to be.
Lace up those skates, put on some Beyoncé, and show the world what roller derby is all about. Are you ready? Hell yeah, you are.
