Dispel Doubt, Build Confidence and Defeat Pressure

"You can only be as good as you believe you are." Instilling confidence isn't automatic or easy. 

Confidence balances arrogance and doubt. Bill Parcells says, "confidence comes from proven success." 

But we train confidence. Sport psychologist Dr. Tom Hanson helped train Derek Jeter, including Jeter's pronounced upright walk to the plate. Controlling our breath also helps athletes "slow the game down." At a trading conference, Dr. Hanson encouraged us to sit upright when at our workstations. "Be clear on your mission" (e.g. put the fat part of the bat on the ball). 

Actions speak volumes. Players know that coaches insert players in "crunch time" in whom they have confidence. The player receives the message, "I believe in you." 

Flanking the apex of Coach John Wooden's "Pyramid of Success" are FAITH and PATIENCE. They sit just above CONFIDENCE. 

Confident players focus in the moment. They inhabit the present, this possession.

Confidence is earned not bestowed. James Clear's Atomic Habits emphasizes the importance of routine. Make it easy to follow positive habits and harder to pursue less productive ones. 

In Ten Minute Toughness, Jason Selk advocates players develop a mental  "highlight reel" of visualization. Mental practice, like physical practice, changes the brain. Mindfulness alters brain structure (measured by MRI) and lowers stress hormones (cortisol). In our mind, what does our best look like? 

Confidence shooting drills like "Bill Bradley" (Beat the Pro) require high performance to win. The shooter gets one point for a make and Bill Bradley/The Pro gets three for each miss. Score eleven to win with a maximum of three misses (11/14 = 78.6%). Winning a round reinforces positive performance. 

In Performing Under Pressure, Weisinger and Pawliw-Fry advise us to wear a "COTE of Armor" of confidence, optimism, tenacity, and enthusiasm. 

Practice exercises to build confidence. Here are a few: 

• Look confident. Stand tall. Make yourself big. There's data to suggest doing so increases testosterone and decreases stress hormones (cortisol). 
• Keep a compliments journal. 
• Reflect on our skills. How do we add value? 
• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
• Create a self-esteem collage. 
• Listen to upbeat music. 

Invest in "thinking time." Breadth of knowledge allows analogies from other sports and other disciplines. 

Summary:

• "Confidence comes from proven success." 
• Playing in key situations expresses confidence.
• Confidence inhabits the moment. 
• Visualize a highlight reel.
• Mental practice impacts brain structure and body chemisty. 
• Develop winning routines.
• "Beat the Pro" shooting

Lagniappe (something extra): "Confidence building" shooting drill