THINK LIKE AN ATHLETE
Sports psychology hacks you can use in everyday life
They say confidence is the key to success. But while we all know confidence is a state of mind, finding that self-belief can still be a challenge – especially during a year that’s had more than its fair share of setbacks and adversity.
As we celebrate the Tokyo Olympics and get ready to cheer on our Paralympians, it may be time to look at some tried and tested tricks from our elite athletes.
Many top athletes use psychology to maintain their incredible willpower and determination. That’s never been more important than during a year that saw the 2020 Tokyo Games delayed until 2021.
Sports psychologist Georgia Ridler reveals how our Olympians and
Paralympians utilise their confidence – and how everyday Aussies can take inspiration from those methods, too.
RIDE THROUGH HIGHS AND LOWS
When you’re surrounded by curve balls it can be hard to see the silver linings. But it’s important to remember there are still bright spots to be found on the path ahead.
“What we can learn from our Olympians and Paralympians is that throughout their careers there are highs and lows,” Ridler says. “From the highs of winning gold on the podium to the lows of managing a postponement after several years of training. For us all to improve our confidence we need to recognise and recount the highs during the lows, knowing that the lows won’t last forever.”
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE
Whether it’s your career, personal life or simply learning to make the perfect souffle, setting goals boost our self-esteem and give us purpose.
“Confidence is found when we achieve a goal, but it can also be built when reflecting on the journey that got us there,” Ridler explains, adding goal setting is crucial for success. “If you have ever met an Olympian or Paralympian, you’ll know they’re inspirational and goal-oriented. If there is anything that can be learned from Australia’s most elite athletes when
it comes to confidence, it is always appreciating the milestones, outcomes and steps it took to achieve each goal.”
FIND YOUR TEAM
Humans are social beings, and it’s important to surround yourself with a network of people who will boost your spirits and cheer you toward your dreams.
“New research from Allianz reveals three in five Aussies believe confidence is affected by other people,” Ridler says. “Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians don’t make it to a Games on their own. There is a network of people who work tirelessly in the background to support them to achieve greatness, both personally and professionally.”
She adds, “[Athletes] Cate Campbell and Madison de Rozario have publicly acknowledged their support network through the Allianz #SparkConfidence movement and through this they hope to show who has been behind them for what’s ahead.” Check out #SparkConfidence on Instagram to learn more.
FOCUS ON THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL
The pandemic has brought around many things that have been beyond our control, so it’s important to focus on things you can change and accept things that you can’t.
“By focusing and taking action on what is in your control, you will start to feel more confident knowing that you are continuing to move towards your goals,” Ridler says.
This mindset has helped to keep many of our elite sportspeople on track during a time of great uncertainty. “Australia’s athletes focused on what was in their control,” Ridler explains. “Focusing on the positives and what can be changed brings with it a surge of determination to overcome the challenge.”
CONFIDENCE CAN BE REHEARSED
The research from Allianz also revealed 61 per cent of Australians look to Olympians and Paralympians for inspiration and to feel confident to meet their own life challenges.
However, Australia’s most elite are not superhuman, they also need support and need to practise confidence.
“No-one wakes up one day with a spring in their step and all the confidence in the world,” explains Ridler. “Confidence, like any other skill, needs to be rehearsed.”
Try to instil a bit of positivity and confidence in your life and soon enough it will feel less rehearsed and more natural. Georgia Ridler is the lead psychologist for Australia’s Olympic team, and coaches people to understand the art and science of high performance and sustained wellbeing in life, sport and business.