Fear of failure and performance
Fear of failure and optimal performance: which report binds these two elements?
We can consider performance as the set of all those actions that allow the athlete to make their potential. The term performance is of sporting derivation, this does not mean that we can refer to a wider context, where by performance we mean a performance in any area that provides for a commitment of a certain level.
Let's stay in the world of sport. Our physical and technical preparation can be top-notch, but if we fail to deliver an optimal performance, our full potential will remain unrealized. We can be at our best physically and possess advanced technical and tactical preparation in our sport, but it will be our performance that allows us to express our true potential.
Fear of failure and performance
How many times do we hear about athletes who make incredible gestures in training who cannot repeat in the race?
This happens because physical preparation and technical preparation are not enough to ensure that our performance is at the level we can expect. Numerous other typically mental factors enter the field. Several obstacles also come into play that prevent the athlete from reaching the so -called Peak Performance, that is, the optimal performance.
The most common of these obstacles is the fear of failure. The greatest fear of the athlete who suffers from the fear of failure is that defeat will define their identity. In essence, if I lose, I'm less valuable as a person.
How to counter the fear of failure?
One tip for reducing the impact of this fear on our performance is to work on defining our goals. Specifically, focusing on performance goals will be much more useful than focusing exclusively on the result. In tennis, for example, instead of focusing on winning the match, it will be more effective to focus my energy on always trying to force the first serve. Rather than focusing on winning the tournament, it will be more productive to develop a strategy that allows me to play every point with consistent intensity.
The performance goal, being under my complete control, allows me to release pressure and manage stress better. This is because the outcome is not under my control, and judging ourselves based on conditions that depend on external factors is not a good idea.
This brings us to the second tip. To counteract the fear of failure, it's extremely helpful to learn to direct our focus on the aspects we can influence. For example, if it might rain during my ultramarathon, worrying about the weather (which I can't control) would be a waste of energy. It will be much more helpful to make sure I have the right technical clothing with me (which I can control). This way, I can start my race knowing that if it rains, I'll have done everything I could. This, too, can release pressure and reduce stress.
The risks of the car-evaluation
Evaluating ourselves solely on the basis of our results will, sooner or later, lead us to doubt our abilities and seriously question ourselves. It is crucial, when evaluating ourselves, to primarily consider factors such as our effort and our degree of improvement, regardless of our results.
Can you happen not to bring home the result and have put a great performance in the field? Of course yes! Here in cases like these it will be more functional to evaluate us mainly on the basis of our performance and not on the fact that the desired result has not arrived.
Do you want to improve your sports performance? Find out how you can do it thanks to Mental Coaching.
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