Mental Game Skills for Skating Success
Skatergirl is at the rink. Again.
But, today is different.
Today, there’s a new skater at the rink.
She’s wearing her club jacket, black leggings and hot pink runners. Her hair is done up in a bun. Her aura is intimidating.
Skatergirl hasn’t ever seen her before, but she can already tell she’s good.
Continue reading “Stop Comparing Yourself to Others”Focusing on competitors will not help you skate your best. Do this instead:
Skaters and parents can go the whole season in a bubble. Skaters practice at their own rink for most of the year, compete against many of the same skaters at their local competitions, then get a dose of reality when they travel to a larger competition or reach their first qualifying competition.
What do you do when you get on practice ice and see skaters at your level doing higher level tricks? Continue reading “Do You Get Caught up in the Pitfall of Comparisons?”
Do you have a friend or rival who competes at the same level as you? Many skaters want to know how to handle this situation and stop comparing themselves to others.
Here are three tips you can use to stop the comparisons and get on with your skating. In the example below I use “training mate,” but you can use it for any situation (i.e. competitor, friend or sibling). Continue reading “Stop Negative Comparisons in Figure Skating”
Podcast here.
How do I manage my mind and emotions when I am being compared to others in a competition?
I want to thank this skater for a great question! This skater is already aware that she can make a change in the way she thinks and feels in a competitive situation that involves being compared to other skaters. Continue reading “Competition and Comparisons: How to Manage Your Mind and Emotions”
Audio here.
Skaters tie themselves in knots with worry that Judges won’t “like” their programs or with comparisons to others who seem to be “ahead” of them in skills. The more they worry, the more their confidence suffers. Eventually their improvement seems to be at a stand still, and frustration rules. Continue reading “Worrying What Others Think is Holding You Back”
In the champion mindset, you must be alert and pay attention in order to Learn and Grow in your sport and in life.
This learn and grow mindset allows you to make mistakes, to be patient with yourself and to keep things in perspective.
When you know that adversity is part of the process, and that each mistake is an opportunity to learn, you can let go of a lot of your internal struggle and feel more peace.