Positive Self-Talk
One Idea
Two marathoners run–equally trained and evenly talented–15 miles in, one fades while the other endures. The difference between them? The story they tell themselves.
Self-talk is the self-addressed, inner story we maintain at any given moment. It falls into at least 4 categories: positive, negative, instructional, and neutral. The impact of self-talk on endurance performance is huge.
Positive self-talk motivates performance. It tells a story of drive, endurance, and success. It says, “I’m feeling good,” “I’m going to make it,” and “we’re going to score.”
Negative self-talk impairs performance. It tells a story of doom, fatigue, and failure. It says, “I’m out of energy,” “please don’t miss,” and “we probably can’t score.”
Instructional self-talk masters performance. The story here is one of discovery, strategy, and progress. It says, “try it this way,” “bend your knees”, and “we’re growing.”
Neutral self-talk, technically speaking, is neither beneficial nor detrimental to performance.*
Why is all of this important? Studies have demonstrated that a positive or instructional story can benefit endurance performance by up to 30%. Put another way: we can literally talk ourselves into and out of exhaustion or strength.
The easiest way to change behavior is to change your environment. When that’s not possible, change your story.
What kind of story are you telling yourself?
Two Quotes
“The limit is not the sky. The limit is the mind.” - Wim Hof
“The mind under control is your best friend, the mind wandering about is your worst enemy.” - Bhagavad Gita
Three Takeaways
1. Talented athletes who consistently underperform have a story problem. Are they saying, “Don’t screw up?” (negative self-talk) or “I’ve got this!” (positive self-talk)? Do they know the difference between your coaching & feedback (an instructional storyline) vs. their perceived failure or fate (a negative storyline)? Find out what their story is, and work to change it for the better.
2. The stories we celebrate shape the culture we live in. Be stingy in celebrating talent, accolades, or rankings. Be generous in celebrating growth, work ethic, and selflessness.
3. The right storyline can enhance performance by up to 30%. Imagine that. Imagine how much we’ll improve over the course of the next six games? Now imagine us 30% better than that. Choose a positive, instructional storyline–both for yourself and for those you impact.
