top of page
Writer's pictureStephen Feeney

One will destroy you on competition day the other will see you excel, which are you building?

Updated: Dec 9, 2021

Introduction


There are many mindsets people can have when facing a challenge or threat. A mindset is a set of assumptions, ways of thinking and feeling that determine one's reactions to events. In order to deal with things effectively, it's important to be aware of the mental state you're in and how this may affect your responses to situations. We should all strive for a challenge mindset-a way of looking at something that views it as worth tackling instead of being fearful about it.




Challenge mindset


Having a challenge mindset is important when it comes to competition. This mindset sees challenges as tasks that are worth tackling and overcomes the fear of failure. It's essential to be in this frame of mind when competing, as it will allow you to give your best performance.

When you're in a challenge mindset, you're more likely to take risks and put in more effort. You're also less likely to be overwhelmed by the challenges ahead of you. This mindset allows you to focus on your strengths and weaknesses, which can help you improve your performance.


Threaten Mindset



The Threaten mindset is the complete opposite of the challenge mindset. This is the frame of mind that people are in when they feel threatened or anxious. When in this state, people are more likely to give up and less likely to take risks.


In a Threaten mindset, people are more likely to focus on their weaknesses and less likely to focus on their strengths. This can lead to them feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. This mindset can also cause people to react impulsively and defensively. In a competitive situation, this can lead to people sabotaging their own success or attacking others.





How do these mindsets affect your game on the court or field?


A challenge mindset helps people to play with confidence and enjoy themselves more because they're not afraid of failure. The person with a challenge mindset will approach the game with a determination and commitment that can lead them to win. A threat mindset is an unpleasant one in which the person is afraid of whatever it is they're facing, such as competition or failure. A person with a threat mindset can go into their situation feeling fearful and negative about themselves, which can cause them to lose focus and ultimately fail.


Tips for using a challenge-based mindset during competition day



When it comes to competition day, having a challenge mindset can be the difference between winning and losing. Here are some tips to help you use a challenge mindset:


1. Notice how you feel - When you're feeling low, look at how you can first keep it simple. Then add a little bit of fire in your belly you'll be more likely to take on new challenges with enthusiasm. Don't let negative thoughts get in the way of your performance.


2. Visualize success- Imagine yourself succeeding and doing your best. This will help you to feel more confident and motivated.


3. Set realistic goals- Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself by setting unrealistic goals. Aim to do your best, but also remember that it's okay to make mistakes.


4. Stay focused- It's easy to lose focus during competition, but if you stay focused, you'll be more likely to play well.


5. Be adaptable- If you're adaptable and able to change your game plan as needed, this will help you to stay calm and deal with setbacks and obstacles that may come up during the game.


6. Show enthusiasm toward others- This is a good way to get others to feed off your energy and enthusiasm, which can help you to stay focused and motivated.


7. Be patient- Don't rush yourself or try to do everything at once. Take your time and focus on one task at a time.


8. Treat others with respect- When you treat others with respect, it can make a positive difference in how they respond and help you to avoid unnecessary conflicts and obstacles that may get in the way of doing well during competition day.


Who's used this?


Some athletes who have had success using a challenge mindset are Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Kobe Bryant. Jordan is known for his determination and focus. He was quoted as saying, "I've failed over and over and over again in my life. That's why I've been successful." Williams is one of the most successful tennis players of all time. She has said that she approaches every match as if it's her last, no matter what the odds may be. Bryant is a basketball player who is known for his intense work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. He's said that he prefers to focus on what he can control rather than worrying about external factors, such as the officiating or what his opponent is doing. He explained, "I refuse to get caught up in things I cannot control...When you worry about all of the little things, you lose sight of the big picture."


Conclusion


Athletes who build a challenge mindset will be less likely to enter competitions with an attitude of fear. This is because they have the right set of assumptions and ways of thinking about their sport, which can help them overcome any obstacles that may arise on competition day. The only way for athletes to achieve this type of mentality is by recognizing what skills are needed in order to succeed at each level, as well as understanding how these skills could relate back to life outside the game. We hope you've found some ideas here on how you, too, can start building your own challenge mindset today!


For more information and advice, please visit our website or contact us directly.


86 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page