Gain The Confidence Edge

Research and experience have proven that “Advanced Performance” is the result of proper physical, nutritional and psychological training, development, implementation and preparation. I will also add it is the balanced lifestyle of the Mind, Body, and Spirit of the individualized athlete.  Most athletes are aware of and use proper “body” preparation but very few incorporate all three essential instruments of life into their training routines to create perfect harmony. With the synchronization of all three components, every athlete can gain the confidence edge and as a result, advance performance more consistently at the top of their potential.

“Concentration comes out of a combination of confidence and hunger.” - Arnold Palmer

What is confidence?

Confidence is the full reliance; conviction of personal power, responsibility, or reliability in oneself.  Bottom line, it is certitude!

Key to Gaining the Confidence Edge:
Disconnect from competition and create your inner confidence that cannot be shaken!  When you are guided by the pressure to compete (outdo another), you become distracted from your true focus.  Being overcome by the competitive pressure chokes confidence.  As a golfing athlete, you have no control over your competition in any aspect (i.e. weather, opponent, score).  Your only responsibility is YOU.  You must remain focused and confident at all times no matter what the “competition” is dictating to you.  In my experience, golfing athletes don’t perform to their potential because they lose focus their own innate greatness and confidence.  Playing competitors did not beat them…the competition against their own perfection and unhealthy expectation defeated them.

“You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” Rosalynn Carter.  With confidence, you can reach truly amazing heights; without confidence, even the simplest accomplishments are beyond your grasp.  When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.

Three Types of Confidence:

1. Hyped up Confidence – only sustains for a few moments
2. Conditional Confidence - depends on results (confidence is conditional upon playing well!  When things go well…confidence is high…but if things go wrong, it is shaken and questioned.  This type is dictated to you by the outward signs or results of others or events.
3. Unconditional Confidence - this arises from CONNECTING with the GREATNESS of WHO YOU ARE.  It means from the essence of your greatness, you can create the confidence, reliance of your inner ability to manage your internal experience!  Unconditional confidence is not based on results, but on your preparation and remaining true to who you are.

Four Patterns that sabotage Confidence

1. Perfection in performance
2. High Expectations
3. Self – Doubt
4. How you Assess Practice or Playing Rounds in an Unconstructive Manner

What is Expectation?...Much different than confidence

• Another word is hope!  “I hope to play well…”
• Lack of trust and lack of assurance of your inner resources and solutions
• Myth of "In the Zone" vs. Created Ultimate Performance Style
  
• Focuses on results and outcome
• Places unhealthy demands of, “I need to score this…”
• Living up to others demands, pressure, and opinions
• Very JUDGEMENTAL – comparing in the moment
• Condemn how and compare to what you expect (hope) to perform

Are you ready to develop and experience unconditional confidence?  Contact KaizenGOLF for your sports cognitive assessment and see what cutting-edge sports cognitive coaching can do for you.