Understand how to find Confidence through basketball... not because of it!
Lookout 👀
There is an increasing # of basketball players that have mental health disparity. Throughout the article discover tips and philosophies to help boost your inner confidence.
I'M STANDING!🧍🏽♀️
As I stand here...
Present with few in a crowded gym
Nervous of my every move
Ten names called
Anticipation for the tip
Flying... whoosh...whoosh in the air
The crowd roars silently in the head
weighed down by the own lines in your palms
Dribble.. dribble it makes me happy
Now I'm sad
The crowd no longer silently roars
Where are my teammates I yell
No one answers
Now I stand on the empty court alone
Alone to face the silence
As I stand here...
poem by
-Taylor Monroe
Why blog?🧐
Recently, I've been feeling a bit disconnected from basketball. It seems that my efforts to constantly improve aren't always balanced with the validation I receive from good games. However, after my grandmother passed away from leukemia and other illnesses while in hospice care, I questioned my priorities and felt a bit hopeless. But, I stumbled upon the power of journaling my feelings and it became a turning point for me.
It started with a MacBook💻
By channeling my thoughts onto a blank screen, I was able to persevere through my mood swings and insecurities, which in turn helped alleviate my anxiety and sadness. I've come to realize that my life exemplifies the power of changing one's mindset.
Good vibes only😜
By only focusing on positive internal thoughts, I was able to go from being a bench player to a starter. It may seem silly to depend on an orange ball entering a hoop for mental sanity, but the confidence I derive from basketball pushes me to take bold measures and achieve internal satisfaction. Expressing my internal thoughts is vital for me to curate a journey of confidence, and I'm excited to see where it takes me.
Inner Confidence Tips👇🏽
Identify Triggers👁
Consider taking a moment each day to reflect on what triggers negative thoughts. By doing so, you can gain insight into what leads up to those unhelpful patterns of thinking.
Here are some most common triggers for negative thoughts in basketball:
- Comparison. Avoid comparing skills with teammates. Basketball success is determined by more than just skill. Factors like basketball IQ, attitude, fitness, and chemistry with teammates also play a role.
- Mistakes. It's normal to make mistakes while playing a game, so don't worry if you do. Instead, let it motivate you to work even harder and aim for success.
- Dwelling. Be open to constructive criticism, but disregard excessive negativity. Remember that you've earned your place and trust that you are on the right path. Use feedback as a tool to help you grow.
Cut Yourself Some Slack✂️
Identify where you strive to be, and consider that persona your future self displays. Now you are who you become, reflect daily on the attitude you strive to have. Self-reflection postgame positively. Do not sulk as it’s not productive and decreases mood. When critiquing your game ask yourself what progress have you made. How could things be handled differently? Who do I need to communicate my concerns to on my team? Understanding errors are an area for growth.
Mistakes Happen🤷🏽♀️
Self-doubt will lead to you being indecisive when making decisions on the court and feeling at peace after a mistake. A missed shot or travel call during immense pressure does not cause you not to take the last shot to tie the game. Internal confidence can only be achieved when you identify the constant insecurity that limits your performance. Surround yourself with individuals that encourage your success and boost your self-esteem when you're low after a rough game.
Embrace Differentiation!
It's common for people to doubt themselves and feel like they're not living up to their full potential. When it comes to basketball, there are typically five players on the court who make up the starting lineup. But if you don't end up being one of them, don't be hard on yourself. Instead, take some time to assess your own strengths and weaknesses and appreciate them for what they are. Comparing yourself to your teammates will only lead to more frustration and self-doubt. Remember, everyone has their own unique talents and abilities.
Take bold steps🦵🏽
During the game, such as attempting the open three-pointer you've practiced countless times or utilizing the dribble package you use in one-on-one matches. Use this self-assessment to develop your skills and stand out from the crowd. By making small but courageous decisions during each game, you can build your confidence. Remember, being unique is an asset to team unity, and assigned roles are not always set in stone.
Try These Exercises!✍🏽
The Pen and Paper Effect
Start by taking a pen and paper. Then, write down your strengths in detail of what you appreciate about your basketball identity.
Next, imagine there is a negative person inside you who is responsible for feeding you negative thoughts.Take a moment to reflect on any negative thoughts that may be contradicting with the positive traits you appreciate about yourself. Sometimes, there can be a negative voice inside of us that tries to bring us down.
Remind yourselves of our strengths and qualities. By acknowledging and letting go of negative self-talk, we can cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset.
Sketch your inner critic and give him or her a name.
Draw speech bubbles around your character and fill them with your negative thoughts. What do they look like on paper?
Now rip up the paper and feel free of the character that brings you down.
Pat on the Back Technique
Sit down in a room with no distractions.
Close your eyes and remember your proudest moments in terms of basketball. Give yourself a pat on the back. If those moment caused you to receive external validation remember you should be proud regardless of anyone else opinion.
Reflect how you are feeling in this moment. Do you feel confident in your game? Are you believing that your proudest moment can not be repeated? the truth is it won't. You are not a one hit wonder. It's time to regain that confidence persona and get back to peak performance.
Perform this exercise as many times as needed.
Phew... Forget Expectations👋🏽
Every coach makes an impact; unfortunately, my last coach left a negative one. My confidence was shattered by the coach's focus on external validation during games, leaving me longing for praise and validation.
Work isn't everything❌
Despite my hard work in practice, I received minimal playing time, which created a cycle of constant disappointment. My coach had different expectations for each individual in practice, making it difficult to know what was expected of me. It's not only about working hard physically, emotionally you have to be strong. Despite this, I decided to shift my mindset and focus on recalling positive moments and the reasons why I love to play.
The Bright Side☀️
As the season came to an end, my mental state improved as I realized that I am special regardless of my coach's disregard for rewarding good behavior. Remember to stay focused on the positive moments and reasons why you love what you do, and never let anyone else's expectations define your worth.
How can a player deal with demanding expectations from coaches and others in the sport?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. While you may want to have a perfect game, it's not always possible. Instead, embrace the opportunity to learn from any errors while watching film. If you do make a critical mistake during the game, shake it off and focus on the next play. Don't worry about your intentions, just give it your all.
Remember This!🫵🏽
It's important to remember that telling yourself a task will be effortless or that you already have it under control can actually backfire and create insecurity in your mind.
Your brain may receive the message that you don't need to put in much effort to achieve your goal, which can lead to fragile outer confidence.
True confidence comes from a secure inner mindset that requires ongoing effort and dedication. Just know that building confidence is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.
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