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Approaches to Mental

 
Positive self-talk

 

Positive self-talk involves the athlete endorsing their own ability or progress by literally talking to him or herself. This is often common in tennis because if they play a bad shot or loose the point they will positive self talk to help them win the next point. 

 

This is often common in British tennis player, Andy Murray as you can see him muttering to himself after a lost point or a ineffective shot, of course many players across the sporting world do this as well and for some players you can see the negativity of the self-chatter. This involves the athlete being able to take into account where they are up to with their ability, and being able to progress by talking to themselves to help figure out where to go next.

 

Speaking aloud will commit you (the athlete) to the task and is effective in raising confidence. However, positive self-talk is only of value if performers are of a high standard and are experienced.

 

Positive Self Talk is your communication with yourself in a way that helps you get through tough times (like a sports injury, breakup, or rough financial period), or programming your brain through optimistic and uplifting dialog. With positive self talk, you will be more likely to do something favorable in your life as your brain will be programmed to do positive things!  

 

Examples:

Positive Self Talk for Confidence

  • I am as capable as anyone else out there

  • I know with time and effort I can accomplish anything

  • I am comfortable in front of people and say the right things

  • I know who I am and I am good

  • I can accomplish any task set out before me

  • I find things out when no clear answer is defined

  • I am worthwhile, succesful, and happy

 

There are many examples of positive self-talk in sport. I have mentioned a few below

Muhammad Ali: “It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am”.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-5_8af3TiY

 

Tony Adams: “I woke at 7:30am with those usual negative voices… Will I be tired? Have I slept enough? I talked it through until all the doubts passed.”

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlYPmmAn7mc

 

Forrest Griffin: “I’m not gonna quit so I figured I’d win. It’s the same mentality this time. I’m gonna try and go forward, I’m gonna fight him and I’m not gonna back down. I’m not gonna fall down and crumble, and every scramble, I’m gonna scramble with him. I’m coming after him. I’m in a pretty good place mentally”

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBXK5NCfM_U

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