Confidence is a game-changer for student-athletes. When you believe in yourself, you perform better, recover faster from setbacks, and lead with energy and focus. But how do you become a confident athlete? Many people assume that confidence is something you’re born with – you either have it or you don’t. However, this is not true! Confidence is something you DO – it’s something you can build into your daily routine through intentional ACTION.
What Are Sources of Confidence?
Confidence comes from various places - like your preparation, past achievements, inner voice (thoughts), and even how you perceive physical cues from your body. By recognizing and nurturing these sources, you can create a solid foundation that keeps you strong, no matter what challenges come your way.
4 Key Sources of Confidence for Student-Athletes
-
Preparation
Preparation breeds confidence! Confidence grows when you know you’ve put in the work. Consistent practice, mastering your skills, and sticking to your training plan give you a sense of readiness. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel on game day.
-
Past Successes
Reflecting on moments when you’ve succeeded in the past reminds you of what you’re capable of. Whether it’s scoring a goal, improving your personal best, or overcoming a tough challenge, these past successes can fuel your confidence.
-
Self-Talk
The way you talk to yourself matters. Positive self-talk is 100% in your control and involves getting your thoughts working FOR you rather than AGAINST you. When you talk positively to yourself, you give yourself an opportunity to be successful in any situation.
-
Physical Cues
We often allow our bodies to dictate how confident we feel so it’s important that you interpret physical cues (e.g., racing heart, energy burst, calmness) as helpful instead of hurtful. You are in control of how you interpret your body’s signals, which is a great thing to help you feel prepared to approach any performance with confidence.
How to Build Confidence Using Multiple Sources
-
Prepare with Purpose
Set clear, actionable goals for your training and focus on consistent improvement. Every step forward adds to your sense of readiness. Before a game, remind yourself of the work you’ve done and trust your preparation.
-
Create a Confidence Journal
Write down three things you’ve done well after every practice or competition. Over time, this list becomes a powerful reminder of your strengths and accomplishments. Use it to fuel your belief in tough moments.
-
Practice Positive Self-Talk
Catch yourself when negative thoughts creep in and flip the script. Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I’ve prepared for this, and I’m ready.” Use affirmations like “I am strong,” “I can handle challenges,” or “I trust my training.”
-
Develop a Pre-Game Routine
Think about how your body feels when you are the most confident. Maybe you are calm and relaxed, or maybe you’re energized and excited. Once you know what confidence feels like for you, come up with a pre-game routine that will put your body into this physical state every time! Maybe that involves doing a breathing exercise to energize or relaxing yourself by visualizing your success.
The Confidence Formula
Confidence isn’t built overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort and focus. By tapping into multiple sources, you create a mindset that’s strong, adaptable, and ready for anything.
Download our Finding Your Sources of Confidence worksheet to help you identify sources of confidence in your own life.
Step onto the field or court with confidence rooted in preparation, past successes, support, and a strong mindset. Believe in yourself—you’ve earned it! 💪🏅
