Finding a balance with social media and setting boundaries is crucial for athletes and performers to maintain focus and productivity.
Addressing perfectionism and managing performance anxiety are essential to allow athletes and performers to relax, focus, and perform at their best.
Having pre-performance routines and utilizing mental skills such as visualization and positive self-talk can help reduce anxiety and optimize performance for athletes and performers.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Social media and distractions
The podcast episode discusses the challenges of social media and distractions for athletes and performers. It acknowledges that social media can be a source of distraction and anxiety, especially for those who are trying to focus and prepare for their performances. The episode highlights the importance of finding a balance and setting boundaries with social media to maintain focus and productivity.
Key Point 2: Perfectionism and performance anxiety
The podcast explores the issue of perfectionism and its negative impact on performance. It explains that perfectionism often stems from an underlying fear of failure and a sense of pressure to achieve unrealistic expectations. The episode emphasizes the importance of addressing perfectionism and managing performance anxiety to allow athletes and performers to relax, focus, and perform at their best.
Key Point 3: Routines and mental skills
The podcast highlights the significance of routines and mental skills in enhancing performance. It discusses the value of having pre-performance routines that help athletes and performers focus and be present in the moment. The episode also mentions the use of mental skills such as visualization, positive self-talk, and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce anxiety and optimize performance.
Key Point 4: Identity and balancing life and work
The podcast addresses the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to life and work. It discusses how athletes and performers can sometimes struggle with their identity being solely tied to their performance. The episode emphasizes the significance of viewing oneself as more than just their achievements and finding a sense of self-worth outside of their profession. It also highlights the challenges of balancing career aspirations with personal well-being and the need for self-care.
Managing pain and pushing through in sports
Pain management is crucial in sports, particularly in situations where athletes need to push through intense pain. Adrenaline can help block the brain's pain response, allowing athletes to focus on their performance. It is essential for athletes to develop routines and techniques to distract themselves from pain and maintain a sense of control. While pain should not be ignored, athletes can learn to manage and work through it, as exemplified by athletes like Carrie Strug in the 1996 Olympics.
Addressing the yips in sports performance
The yips refer to involuntary twitches or spasms that can affect athletes in sports involving repetitive motions. Managing the yips involves addressing both the physiological and mental aspects. Athletes can make adjustments to their grip, swing, or stance in order to relax and regain control. Additionally, mental techniques such as deep breathing, trigger words, and muscle relaxation can help athletes focus on aspects they can control. Overcoming the yips requires finding a balance between pushing through and listening to the body's warning signs.
Sweaty palms before a date. Racing heart during a presentation. Needing a diaper while delivering a wedding toast. We've all been there. On the heels of New Year's resolutions, sports & performance psychologist Dr. Sari Shepphird explains confidence vs. performance anxiety, the origins of perfectionism, how much social media is too much, self-sabotoage and also dishes on strategies that athletes use to perform under pressure. Also: why you should holler the F word when you're nervous, why being authentic is always the best policy and the perils of professional darts.
