Coaches are always trying to push their athletes to their limits. Those limits can me mentally, emotionally, and physically. The reason coaches push their athletes to get out of their comfort zone is because they want their athletes to achieve their goals. Now as an athlete, what are you going to do to accept being pushed out of your comfort zone? Here are some ways:
1. Body Language/Fear: Take note of how you present yourself. Remember a time you felt uncomfortable. Within your body, where did you feel the fear? How was your body language when you displayed the fear? Once you figure out the feeling inside and body posture, it will be easier to make sense to what you are feeling and when you are out of your comfort zone. This will help you push yourself during those times so you are able to grow as an person, athlete, and in life.
2. Positive Self-Talk: Do you display any negative thoughts when you are out of your comfort zone? What do you tell yourself when you are not comfortable? Say phrases like “I am fearless” “Nothing will stop me” or “I can do the impossible”. Repeat this phrases to insure yourself that you actually feel this way. It will make uncomfortable task more comfortable. Once this becomes a habit, there will be no such thing as a comfort zone.
3. Reverse Thoughts: If your coach yells at you for messing up during practice, make the negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Think the reason your coach is yelling at you is because he/she cares enough to correct your mistakes. Take that negative feedback and reverse it into positive feedback.
4. Be Aware Of The Surroundings: Everyday you probably do the same routine. For a college athlete, they typically get up for their 8:00 am class, eat breakfast in the cafe, walk to class, sit in class, talk to some friends, do some homework, take a nap, eat lunch, go to practice, eat dinner, and head to bed. They most likely do not take in what is around them because they are going through the motions. They are so used to this routine they forget to appreciate the reason they are there is the first place. Next time, look around to see the people you pass. See the detail of their face, what the buildings look like, the landscaping, the wildlife, walk a different path. Become aware of the unfamiliar world to you and take in what you have been missing this whole time.
5. Try Something New: We are not used to trying things that are difficult to us. Even though you might not be good at it now, you will become good at it in time. It can be as simple as going into practice a little early to work on moves that you never practice in games. Try some yoga in a grassy, public area. Go talk to your coach for 15 minutes before heading to class. Raise your hand when you might not know the answer. Whatever you decide to do, make it a habit. Having this small change will quickly be less intimidating. Soon these habits will become second nature.
Written by:
Sarah Grippi
Director of Basketball Mindset