Championship Season Confidence
It’s championship season, and we know that stepping on deck at your big meet can be exhilarating yet nerve-wracking. Confidence plays a pivotal role in your performance, but only 9% of athletes who answered our poll said they feel confident at meets. Here are some tips to help you increase your confidence the next time you step up to the blocks:
Visualization: Close your eyes and picture your race from start to finish. Visualize your start, how many strokes you’ll take, your turns, and all the little details that go into your swim. Giving your mind the chance to step into race mode can help you feel more mentally prepared and make the “unknowns” known. You can start doing this even before you get to the meet!
Positive Affirmations: Create a power phrase for yourself. Remind yourself of your strengths, past successes, and all the hard work you've put into your training. Positive self-talk can help boost your confidence over any nerves or doubt.
Focus on Preparation: Take confidence from your training. You've spent hours in the pool getting ready for this moment. Trust in your training and remind yourself that you're ready and you deserve to succeed.
Stay Relaxed: Focusing on your breath can help calm pre-race jitters and keep your mind stay present. Find strategies that work for you and incorporate them into your pre-meet routine.
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome: Instead of getting caught up in the pressure of winning or making a cut time, focus on the process of swimming your race to the best of your ability. Concentrate on your technique, pacing, and strategy, and let the results take care of themselves.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of coaches, teammates, friends, and family who believe in you and your abilities. Their encouragement and reassurance can provide an invaluable boost to your confidence.
Embrace Nervous Energy: It’s 100% possible to be nervous and confident at the same time! Instead of trying to suppress nervous energy, use it to remind yourself that you’re ready and excited. Use that adrenaline rush to fuel your race.
Confidence is a skill that can be strengthened with practice, just like your physical training. Give these strategies a try, and see what works best for you. You got this!
Looking for a deeper dive into building your confidence? Join confidence expert Coach Christen in The Confidence Course on the Lead Academy.
Lead Academy courses come with instant access to course modules, bonus deep dives, printable worksheets, and short quizzes.
