Podcast here.
A skater asks:
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.
The key to managing your mind and emotions in a competition setting or when being compared to others is to:
- Practice tunnel-vision. Narrow your focus.
- Know what you want to accomplish.
- Take action on what you want to do.
Here are 4 things that will make a difference in your competition mindset.
1) Focus on things you can control.
Your energy is wasted when you think or worry about things outside of you control. What judges see or don’t see, your competitor’s skills, or who shows up to compete. These are things you out of your control. Accept them and let them go.
2) Make goals for each competition that are under your control and that you can take action on.
Instead of “I will get level 4 on all my spins,” (this relies on what the judges see or don’t see).
Make a goal, “I will hit all of my bullet-points in my spins.”
Instead of “I will earn XXX points,” which relies on the judges.
Make a goal of “I will go for all my jumps and execute all of my spins and transitions just like I do in practice.”
3) Focus on what YOU want to do instead of how you stack up against others.
This might be difficult, but it is important to be present in the moment.
This means to be consumed with what you are doing right here, right now.
Focus on executing your elements, one at a time.
- When you do your axel, that is what you are focused on.
- When you are doing a spin, your are focused on doing the spin.
4) Reframe the way you think about competition.
- Instead of a win or lose situation, think of it as an opportunity to get feedback from experts (judges) with new eyes on how your training is working for you.
- When you look at your protocols (sheets), see what you have improved on and what you would like to improve on for the next time.
Action Plan
To manage your mind and emotions when being compared to others in a competition:
1) Focus on things you can control.
2) For each competition, make goals that you can take action on.
3) Focus on what you want to do instead of how you stack up against others.
4) Remember that competition is a checkpoint. A chance to learn more about what is working and what to improve in your training.
Start with these four things things and you will have a great start towards being free to skate your best in competition.
If you have a question, please send it to me at coachpomai@icementalgame.com
I want to help you be the skater you are meant to be.
Did you know that I teach skaters of all levels how to build a strong mental game for consistent performance in competition and practice? The week before Regionals or Sectionals is not the time to start your mental game training. If you want to perform great at the end of the season, right now is the best time to start. I want to see you reach your goals. Download “Confidence Myth Busters,” a complimentary eBook now!