This chapter challenges the notion that confidence is crucial for peak performance in athletes, emphasizing the significance of actions, focus, and values over confidence. It discusses the pressure on athletes to maintain constant confidence, highlighting techniques like mental rehearsal and mindfulness to manage stress. The chapter also addresses reframing anxiety as excitement and focusing on enjoying activities rather than solely on performance outcomes in both sports and everyday life.
The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals.
He’s right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it.
So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can’t handle it?
If you're keen to listen to another episode, check out Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars.