DO NOT LET FEAR AFFECT YOUR GAME
By: Stanley Popovich
Sometimes, fear and anxiety can get the best of us in sports. The key is
to know how to manage that fear and anxiety. As a result, here is a
brief list of techniques that an athlete can use to help manage their
fears and every day anxieties.
Occasionally, we you may become stressed when we have to play in an
important round. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in
your mind. For instance, you have to play in the championship golf game
in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big
day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that
you are playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in
your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time
comes. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress
of a coming situation.
Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When
this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find
something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem.
A person could read the newspaper, listen to some music or do an
activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This is a
great technique to use right before your next game.
Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of
positive statements that you can carry around with you. Whenever you
come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a
small notebook that you can carry around with you. Whenever you feel
stressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This
will help to manage your negative thinking.
In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what
works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing
your fears and anxieties. For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and
you decide to take a small walk before your game to help you feel
better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you
got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the
confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible,
talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties.
They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on
how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a
person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will
become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember
that it never hurts to ask for help.
Remember that patience, persistence, and education will go a long way in
preventing fear from becoming a factor in your game.
BIOGRAPHY:
Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using
Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read
book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective
in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information
go to: http://www.managingfear.com/
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