As the season progresses, we reach a point where all the preparation is behind us. It's time for athletes to step up and show what they can do. However, the most damaging thing athletes often hear right before or during competition is a flood of "you should’ve trained more" or "I told you so" from well-meaning parents, coaches, or peers. Instead of building confidence, these comments amplify doubt, disappointment, and the threat of failure.
It’s not that reflecting on preparation isn’t important—athletes should learn from their efforts—but during the competition, this kind of reflection isn't helpful. Constant reminders of where they "aren’t on form" won’t magically pull them back into peak shape. In fact, it does the opposite: it limits their ability to trust themselves and their process.
The Power of Trust and Risk
One of the most critical things an athlete needs in the moment is trust—trust that they’ve done everything they could to deliver the result they're after. Trust in their body and mind to perform under pressure. When athletes trust their preparation, they’re more likely to take risks, which is essential because risk-taking is a Flow State trigger. Taking risks allows them to push the boundaries of their performance, and this edge is where Flow happens—the zone where everything clicks.
But without trust, fear and anxiety build up. Athletes become hyper-aware of the gap between where they think they should be and where they actually are. The wider that gap feels, the less likely they are to take the risks needed to excel. And it's not hard to see why. When anxiety takes hold, it becomes a mental block that prevents them from diving into Flow.
So, while it’s impossible to change the lead-up to the competition, the real question becomes: How do we help them leave the competition feeling motivated to move forward rather than defeated?
Creating Flow Triggers in High-Pressure Environments
Even when trust is low, we can guide athletes toward Flow State triggers that help them refocus:
Immediate Feedback: Athletes need to receive clear, real-time information about their performance. Instead of hearing, "You should’ve done more," they need constructive, actionable feedback that helps them adjust in the moment. For example, a coach might say, “Focus on your breath and rhythm in the next 100 meters,” giving the athlete something tangible to control.
A Sense of Control: In situations where athletes feel anxious or unprepared, it’s vital to bring their focus back to what they can control—things like their breathing, movement, or mindset. By shifting focus to measurable actions, they regain control over their performance. This sense of control is another key Flow State trigger.
Coaches and Parents: How You Can Help
This is where the support system—coaches, parents, and peers—comes into play. Instead of reinforcing feelings of doubt, focus on giving athletes the space to trust themselves. A few ways to do this include:
Offering feedback that’s grounded in the present moment, focusing on what they can control.
Avoiding language that amplifies regret or shame. Help them stay in a mindset of growth and possibility.
Reminding them to focus on their immediate actions and encouraging small risks.
When the environment around an athlete fosters a sense of trust and control, they are far more likely to engage with Flow triggers. They stay focused on the measurable aspects of their performance and maintain motivation, even when the odds seem against them.
Every athlete faces moments of doubt, but learning to focus on the controllables—trusting their process, taking risks, and using immediate feedback—will help them stay in the zone. At Complete Athlete, we specialize in helping athletes build this kind of trust and resilience. Through our programs, athletes learn to reframe setbacks and use Flow State triggers to keep chasing their big dreams and goals.
If your athlete struggles to find that balance, let’s talk. The Complete Athlete Program can guide them to discover their true potential.
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