Most athletes (and coaches!) view doubt as being your worst enemy. Something to be avoided at all costs. I get it. Doubt can paralyze you, causing you to question your abilities and second-guess your every decision. What if I told you there was another way? Doubt can actually be a valuable tool in your arsenal. When used effectively, doubt can be harnessed to build your confidence and lead you to be your best. It lets you check in with yourself and make sure you're prepared for the challenge ahead.

Confidence is a critical success factor in athletics. However, it is not a one-time achievement. Confidence must be fueled so that it is ready whenever you face challenges and pressure situations. Develop your confidence initially by focusing on what you CAN control to put yourself in the best position to achieve your desired outcome. Be sure to maintain your confidence by using the four strategies: positive self-talk, seeking compliments and encouragement from a vital few, drawing on past successes and experiences, and acknowledging your progress and achievements. Train your confidence just like you train your strength and endurance so that it's ready when you need it.

The eighth Essential is learning to Maintain Confidence. By far, this is one of the most common challenges that athletes mention when I work with them. There is this belief that confidence is necessary for athletes to achieve all that they are capable of in their sport. While I’m not convinced that it is necessary, having confidence certainly makes it easier for athletes to accomplish their goals and achieve high levels of success. When the doubt starts to creep in, all you need is one simple shift to create big results.

Be fearless. Suck it up. No pain, no gain. Just do it.

It’s always presented as the gold standard, the thing that you are supposed to aim for and become. The best of the best athletes are fearless. They can enter into a competition and stare it down.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. The importance of being fearless is a LIE. Fearlessness occurs only when you have zero things to fear. And any time you enter into the competition area, you run the risk of losing. The fact that there is a risk means that fear will also exist. There is uncertainty in sport which turns into doubt and fear. You can’t be certain that you will get a hit, make that field goal, or win the game. It’s this uncertainty and the chance to have success in the face of the risk, that makes us love sports.