The importance of positive/instructional self-talk!
Self-talk is simply the internal and or external dialogue someone has with themselves. There are three different kinds in sport psychology. There’s negative, positive and instructional self-talk.
Negative self-talk is normal and everyone has taken part in it. Knowing how to point it out when it happens and initiate changing it is the hard part.
The easiest way to start using positive affirmations and self-talk is to acknowledge the negative thoughts and feelings because they are real feelings. Then being able to pair it with a direct instruction is an easy pathway to positive self-talk.
For example: “I’m so bad at squash. I’m horrible” can be changed to…
“I’m playing badly, I need to take my time and move my feet earlier to the ball. I’ve got this!”
Especially in a unique game like squash where there’s so much internal and external pressure to perform well it is easy for an athlete to turn on themselves which can make performance even worse.
Daily check ins and journaling are two of the easiest and most thoughtful ways to change how an athlete deals with failure and talks themselves through difficult matches and or training.
How can I help?
As a mental performance consultant that specializes in squash, I can give those who are looking to take their game to the next level mental techniques and skills that positively affect overall performance.
Email ebonie@squashtigers.com to schedule your first session free!
