PERFORMANCE ANXIETY: Understanding Positive Thinking in Performance
SPKN - The Sport Professional Knowledge Network
SPKN - Where Sport Knowledge is Spoken
As coaches, we often encourage athletes to harness the power of their minds for peak performance. However, it's crucial to understand that the mind's primary function is survival, not performance enhancement. This article delves into why the mind is not always an athlete's ally and how we, as sports leaders, can guide athletes to better manage their thoughts for improved performance.
?? Understanding the Mind’s Survival Instinct
The mind is programmed for survival, constantly scanning for potential threats and dangers. This instinct, while crucial for survival, can often be at odds with sports performance. The mind's protective nature can manifest as excessive worry and anxiety, focusing on potential failures or embarrassments. This protective mechanism, ironically, can hinder an athlete's ability to perform at their best.
?? The Challenge of Positive Thinking
The common advice in sports psychology is to engage in positive thinking. However, the reality is that the mind's survival mechanism often makes it challenging to maintain a positive outlook consistently. Encouraging athletes to always think positively can be unrealistic and may even add unnecessary pressure. In some cases, positive thinking can create a false sense of security, leading to reduced effort and increased risk of failure.
?? Cognitive Diffusion: Gaining Distance from Thoughts
One effective strategy to manage the mind's survival instinct is cognitive diffusion, a concept from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Cognitive diffusion involves creating a distance between us and our thoughts, seeing them as mere words or images rather than absolute truths. This process allows athletes to engage with their thoughts based on their utility in achieving goals rather than getting caught up in the emotional tone of the thoughts.
?? The Workability of Thoughts
Instead of classifying thoughts as positive or negative, we should focus on their workability. Coaches can help athletes by asking whether a particular thought brings them closer to or further away from their goals. This approach emphasizes practicality and effectiveness over emotional content.
?? Balancing Realistic and Open Thinking
Encouraging athletes to embrace realistic, balanced, and open thinking is more beneficial than forcing positivity. Acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of a situation allows athletes to prepare more effectively. Coaches can guide athletes to recognize the value in certain negative thoughts if they motivate constructive actions and lead to improvement.
?? Practical Strategies for Coaches
As coaches, we can help our athletes by:
领英推荐
? ?Educating them about the mind's survival instinct and its impact of performance.
? ?Introducing cognitive diffusion techniques to manage unhelpful thoughts.
? ?Shifting the focus from positive versus negative thinking to the workability of thoughts.
? ?Encouraging realistic and balanced thinking that acknowledges both positive and negative aspects.
? ?Providing practical exercises and mindfulness practices to help athletes gain distance from their thoughts.
Understanding the dual role of the mind in survival and performance is crucial in sports coaching. By helping athletes navigate their thoughts effectively, we can enhance their performance and overall well-being.
?? Always keep learning, growing, & pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Stay Curious and Inspired! ??
?? For more insights on this and other topics, visit our website www.SPKNmedia.org. Don't miss future issues of the SPKN Knowledge Nugget – SUBSCRIBE TODAY.
Resources: