We can perform however we are feeling
There is a misconception that we have to be feeling or thinking a certain way to perform. However, this just isn't true, despite how it can feel like it!
We have an innate, instinctive intelligence that enables us to perform the skills we have practiced regardless of the transient thoughts and emotions that pass through our minds.
A footballer can be standing over a penalty in a world cup final utterly convinced that they are going to miss and then step up and score. Just because we think something is going to happen does not mean that it will. Thoughts are illusory. They might look real but they do no mean anything unless we believe them. This explains why life is full of ‘that was better than I thought it was going to be’ experiences.
When the footballer steps up it does not matter what they are thinking. They do not have to stop the thinking that’s going on. All they have to do is step up and kick the ball towards the goal to the best of their ability, right there and then. Then what will be, will be.
There are days when performing feels effortless (we're in 'the zone') and there are days when every movement feels like a battle. Yet, either way, our instinctive intelligence is always there allowing us to 'find a way' in the moment despite how doubts and insecurities may temporarily obscure our vision.
The essence of being comfortable feeling uncomfortable is knowing that we are always OK and always capable even when we don't feel or think we are. Knowing that feeling uncomfortable (e.g. nervous, anxious, afraid) is OK. It is a natural fluctuation in thought that passes without us needing to do anything, as we keep playing the game
When we see that a feeling is temporary experience and our instincts are a permanent capacity, we return to playing naturally, one moment at a time.
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