They’re more important now, with college and pro football underway, MLB playoffs begin and college basketball teams across the country start practice.
Below is an excerpt from my new sports psychology book, “The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive":
Dr. Jim Afremow is a sports psychology expert and the author of “The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive.” Follow him on Twitter @goldmedalmind.
Realize that all these self-psych-outs, even if said in jest, will pile on the pressure and increase muscle tension, diminishing the likelihood that you will perform at your peak. Play your game with inspiration, not desperation.
Regardless of your competition or your circumstances, ask yourself only to do your best as that is all you can do. In sports and in life, difficulty is a constant, but exaggeration is constantly changing, so it is always best to keep things “real” in the moment.
