Use Your Mind to Improve Performance
Every young athlete has a dream of making it “big.” Whether they are dreaming of making the varsity high school team, starting on their college team or making the pros, the dream is universal.
But what happens when your opportunity arises? Do you control your thoughts?
How will you perform when the lights are shining bright?
Every baseball player gets an opportunity to prove themselves at the next level. Maybe they are finally starting a game, or being called up to a more competitive team.
Not only does every player get an opportunity, every baseball player gets nervous or excited when the opportunity arises.
Maybe you can identify with this players thought process after he was called upon to start his first game at second base midway through the season…
“It’s your big day, your chance to prove yourself. You’ve waited for this moment. You’ve worked for this moment. This is the opportunity to show your stuff on the big stage. But what if I flop? What if I never get another opportunity? What if I fail and wasted all that hard work?”
This thought process is similar to most players who are getting “their big chance.” You may not have the exact same thoughts, but there will definitely be a hint of nervousness in your self-talk.
Getting your big chance is nerve-wracking and there may feel like a lot riding on your performance. If you want to make the most of your opportunity, you must learn to manage those nerves.
The truth is that the opportunity is not causing you to feel excessively nervous; it is your thoughts about the opportunity.
For example, the following thoughts are examples of thoughts that ratchet up your nervousness:
- “I may never get another opportunity.”
- “I hope I don’t screw up.”
- “Everybody is watching me.”
- “I worked so hard, I have to play great.”
- “What if I choke?”
- “Coach will never put me in the lineup again if I mess up.”
To play to the best of your abilities, you need to give yourself a reality check or counter and control these thoughts:
- “Is it really true that I will never get another opportunity?”
- “I’m ready to do well.”
- “Maybe my hard work has prepared me to play well.”
- “I worked hard to earn this opportunity.”
Your thoughts will ultimately determine your level of play on the field, as Baltimore Oriole pitcher Hunter Harvey can attest.
In 2013, Harvey was 19 years old when he was drafted out of high school in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles.
Unfortunately, Harvey’s opportunity in the big leagues has been delayed due to a number of injuries.
While in the minors, Harvey had several unfortunate injuries including; Tommy John surgery, a broken leg, rolled ankle and a freak shoulder injury while trying to get out of the way of a foul ball hit into the dugout.
After being called up from the minors, Harvey made his major league debut against the Boston Red Sox and earned his first major league win with a shutout eighth inning.
With 34 pitchers being used by Baltimore this season, Harvey felt added pressure. Harvey admitted he was nervous in his MLB debut.
HARVEY: “My heart was about to beat out of my chest. But it was really fun, and it was awesome.”
What helped Harvey stay focused?
Well, you have to look back to when Harvey turned things around in the minor leagues.
After struggling in the minors, Harvey was switched from starter to reliever and his new role changed his mentality.
After his first game as a reliever, Harvey highlighted the mindset that helped him succeed when his opportunity came.
HARVEY: “My mind was so much freer tonight. Well as a starter, I’m trying to figure out how to go seven, eight innings. Now, I just go throw it. It’s working.”
The shift in Harvey’s approach helped him focus on his pitching rather than the pressure of being called up to the major leagues.
Like Harvey, if you can change and control your thought process, you can manage your nerves and play to the best of your abilities under the spotlight.
Making the Most Your Opportunity:
Challenge your thoughts. Your thoughts can either help or hurt your confidence. When nervous thoughts come to mind, challenge the truth of those statements.
“Am I really nervous or just super excited?”
“I have what it takes to play at the next level.”
“I’m ready to crush it and move to the next level.”
Your self-talk is important. Take control of your thoughts so you can take charge of your play.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How Emotions Control you on the Diamond
- Matt Garza: Controlling Game Time Emotions
- How to Manage High Expectations
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