Get To Know Your Fears

Naturally, as an athlete you don’t want to lose. Sport is about being competitive and having a drive to win. And the goal is to beat your opponent. 

But are you afraid to lose? 

Do you worry about losing? Does the worry cause you to get in your head? Do you doubt yourself when you’re in your head? 

When your main focus is how bad you don’t want to lose it holds you back. You don’t want to make a mistake that might cost you the game. Your game plan might change to play it safe rather than going for it. You become timid because the fear of failure is telling you that “you can’t make a mistake”, “be careful”, “you have to win”. 

The fear of failure or losing often ends up preventing you from winning and success. The thing you’re so desperately trying to avoid ends up happening. 

You don’t play your game. You don’t stick to the game plan. You don’t play with confidence. You don’t keep your focus. You don’t perform at your best. And you don’t get the results you want. 

Fear is normal, but don’t let it hold you back from playing your game.

Uncover how fear is holding you back. Get to know your fears. Become aware of it so that you have a plan and a mindset shift to address those fears. 

Getting to know your fear: 

• What are you afraid of? 

• What is the worst that could happen? 

• Is approaching the game with fear working? Why or why not?

• What do you need to remind yourself of in order to show up playing your game? 

These questions will put into perspective the effect the fear of losing is having on your game. It will allow you to have clear warning signs to be aware of when it’s game time so that your mind isn’t taken off track. 

The fear of failure is like a protection mechanism. We think it’s helping us to avoid failure, avoid being let down or letting others down. We think it will prevent us from experiencing a down. The reality is that it ends up making failure more likely. 

So, are you willing to go for it knowing that failure and losing is possible? 

Are you willing to play your game and go all out even though the win isn’t guaranteed? 

Are you willing to experience a loss and bounce back from it? 

Are you willing to be resilient through the ups and downs you will inevitably face? 

If yes, then failure and losing is nothing to avoid. Sure you don’t want it to happen. But, know that losing and failure doesn’t change who you are as an athlete. It doesn’t change how great you are. It doesn’t change all of the work you’ve put in to get where you are at. 

Remind yourself of these facts daily. Feel the mindset shift that comes with it. 

When you can approach each game knowing that failure and losing is possible but not allowing it to hold you back, everything will change! You will approach the game ready to take on the challenges you face. You’ll be motivated to show up with confidence, grit, and resilience. You’ll be able to focus on you and your game. And you’ll stop avoiding and begin running towards the results you want! 

Ready to overcome the fear of failure? Schedule a consultation today!