The War Within Ep. 2: Self-Presentation, feat. Erin Herle
Aug 1, 2024
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In this discussion, Erin Herle, a coach specializing in self-presentation, dives deep into how the way we present ourselves affects our mindset and performance in competitive environments like Jiu-Jitsu. She highlights the significance of aligning actions with core values and explores critical concepts like psychological safety and self-compassion. The conversation also touches on the challenges of identity and social pressures in sports, the power of empathetic dialogue, and the idea of 'combat drag'—how athletes express their personalities during training.
Self-presentation impacts mental well-being and performance, requiring athletes to balance external expectations with their core values for authenticity.
The pressure to conform in jiu-jitsu can lead to self-handicapping, where athletes set low expectations to protect their self-esteem from potential failure.
Establishing psychological safety is crucial in combat sports, enabling athletes to express emotions and challenge norms without fear of judgment.
Deep dives
Understanding Self-Presentation in Jiu-Jitsu
Self-presentation, also known as impression management, involves the way individuals project themselves in various situations. Athletes often face a conflict between their authentic selves and the personas they feel compelled to portray, which can lead to internal tension. In jiu-jitsu, the lack of a unified governing body means there are various personalities and styles, further complicating how practitioners present themselves to others. Balancing external expectations with personal values is crucial for mental well-being, as deviating from one's authentic self can lead to mental noise and performance anxiety.
The Role of Authenticity and Values
Being authentic requires a deep understanding of one’s core values, which serve as a compass in decision-making. It is essential to identify and define personal values, as they guide actions and set expectations for one's behavior. Authenticity, while often encouraged, does not equate to being unfiltered or reckless; instead, it means being true to one's principles. For instance, publicly standing firm on values, even in the face of adversity, fosters a sense of self-integrity and reduces cognitive dissonance during performance.
Navigating Internal and External Pressures
Athletes frequently grapple with the pressure to conform to the expectations of peers and coaches, leading to conflicts between personal and external standards. The competitive nature of jiu-jitsu may cause some to feel they must sacrifice their authenticity in favor of perceived success or acceptance within a community. This pressure can manifest as self-handicapping behavior, where individuals set low expectations to protect their self-esteem from potential failure. Acknowledging and navigating these pressures can enable athletes to define their own path and experience more genuine fulfillment in their practice.
The Impact of Social Media on Self-Presentation
Social media significantly influences how athletes curate their public personas, often leading to a disconnect between their online and real-life identities. Many athletes feel compelled to present an idealized version of themselves for marketing and sponsorship opportunities, creating additional stress and potential burnout. The ability to switch off this performative aspect is crucial for mental health; athletes who struggle to disengage from their online personas may find it hard to express their authentic selves. Recognizing this dynamic allows for healthier social media usage that aligns more closely with one’s true identity.
The Importance of Psychological Safety
Creating an environment of psychological safety is vital in combat sports, where athletes must feel comfortable expressing their emotions and opinions. This safety allows individuals to challenge norms, voice concerns, and develop without fear of judgment or repercussions. In jiu-jitsu, a lack of inclusivity can lead to toxic behaviors that stifle growth and foster division. Establishing a culture of respect and openness not only enhances emotional well-being but also fosters community and connection among practitioners.
Preparing for External Criticism
Athletes must learn to navigate external criticisms and maintain resilience against negative feedback, particularly in a public arena like jiu-jitsu. Developing shame resilience helps individuals recognize and detach from critical voices, allowing them to focus on their growth and self-acceptance. It is essential to understand that external judgments often reflect the critics' insecurities rather than the athlete's capabilities. By cultivating self-compassion and a strong internal sense of worth, athletes can engage in their sport with confidence, even in the face of adversity.
In the secondepisode of The War Within, Erin Herle discusses Self-Presentation. Topics include the impact of self-presentation on internal performance and mindset, aligning actions with core values, the dynamics of psychological safety within training, respect and empathy amongst practitioners, self-handicapping, and imposter syndrome.
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