Are you able to keep your emotions in check?
When things don’t go your way, it can be very easy to lose control of your emotions. As evident by the Novak Djokovic incident last week at the US Open, even the worlds top professional athletes can lose their cool. Congratulations to Dominic Thiem, who took advantage of the opportunity and won his first major championship. In the #CJJblog this week, I wanted to give you some tips and tricks you can implement to keep your emotions under control. Enjoy.
- Mental imagery. Can you picture yourself being successful? How does it feel? What does it look like? If you are able to envision yourself handling a situation a certain way, you are much more likely to live it with grace and humility.
- When I was a coach, I would simulate stressful situations during practice. For example, I would put one of my players at the free throw line. One shot. Miss? The whole team runs. How do you simulate pressure situations?
- Mental coach. Have you ever thought about hiring a mental coach? If you are involved with single-player sports or experience high stress at your job, I would highly recommend one.
- What is your daily routine? Do you have a routine for moments before you are on stage performing? This pre-competition routine can provide a sense of normalcy no matter how stressful the situation may be.
- Record yourself. Have you ever seen footage of yourself performing? What did you do well? What can you improve? Watching yourself and reviewing it after can be a great way to calm your nerves the next time you are performing.
- Study success. Watching others who remain calm can help you remain calm when in similar situations. Not only should you study those who keep calm under pressure, but you should do it right before you are performing, allowing it to be fresh in your mind.
- Admit your mistakes. Did you recently let your emotions get the best of you? Apologize, move on, and learn from it.
Did You Know? Coach Jim Johnson has posted quite a bit of new content on his YouTube Channel.
Life Tip #45: Always remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Deckard & Company