Monday, August 14, 2023

Facing Our Fears and Tryout Tips

"The gap between knowing what you want and going after it is where fear thrives. You don't need enough courage for the entire journey. You only need courage for the next step." - Farnam Street Blog

Fear makes us hesitate. It paralyzes, prevents us from doing the necessary. Fear induces 'choking'. Resilience training helps athletes live at peak performance. 

The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey, 1974 


Dune captures the power of facing fear. 

Bon Jovi: "You can't win until you're not afraid to lose."

Roosevelt changed history with his 1933 Inaugural Address. "This is pre-eminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great nation will endure, as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyses needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

Find solutions for fear. 

1) Competence is the antidote for fear.

2) Mindful meditation reduces stress hormones. Most professional teams and Olympians have mindfulness programs. UCLA Mindfulness has mindfulness scripts

3) Sport psychology training such as breathing techniques, identity and performance statements, and visualization (highlight reels) can lessen fear. 

Lagniappe. Do what it takes. Be seen. Be heard. Be memorable.


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