Being nervous, anxious, worried, or scared has a predictable affect on your mind. Tunnel vision sets in. You revert to your most rehearsed behaviors for safety. You second-guess yourself. You become literal-minded. Have you ever tried telling a joke or being sarcastic with someone who is in this state of mind? Notice how they don’t…
1. Verbally & Non-verbally communicate that you believe in them. This theme will gradually start to become a part of their positive self-talk as well & can be a great reminder for them when they are doubting themselves. 2. Verbally & Non-verbally communicate that you accept them, love them, & are proud of them NO…
1. Do gymnastics because YOU want to. Your happiness and well being trumps success. If gymnastics is not in your heart than do something else. Don’t do it for other people. 2. Focus on the process, not the outcome. If you keep improving each day, wins and titles will take care of themselves. If you focus only…
1. A winner doesn’t make excuses. Its easy to find reasons to miss practices and workouts. Winners find reasons to attend them even when conditions are not ideal. 2. A winner maintains a White Belt Mentality. Winners know that they can learn something from everyone. They aren’t too proud to learn from people who are not “on their level.”…
One of the biggest mental mistakes I see is gymnasts practicing, conditioning, and training without a purpose. It is sad because there are many gymnasts who are hard-working and passionate, but they fail to improve much. Usually it is because they are doing things without a good purpose.
Regardless of the medals you win or the teams you compete on, gymnastics will change your life. One message I wish I could get across to every gymnast is that one competition does NOT define you as a person. It’s tough to see the big picture when you are still painting. What really defines you…