If you’ve been around sports for any length of time, it’s likely that you’ve come across this acronym - KISS. Though the exact wording may differ depending on who you hear it from, the principle behind it is the same: Keep It Simple. This concept is easy to understand, but much harder to actually execute.

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 fourth Essential is learning to Control Mental Talk. What you say to yourself matters. Your internal dialogue can absolutely make or break your athletic performance. In fact, it has more impact on your performance in a single competition moment than anything else.

Sports have traditions. Chatter from the other team and from fans is one of them. But the reality is that this “chatter” that happens outside of the athlete rarely has much impact on their performance. Instead, it is the internal chatter, the thoughts that swirl around in an athlete’s head that lead to their downfall.

The internal chatter is one of the most common battles that I help athletes face. While the opposing team may have stopped all of the noise, that noise never ceases within the athlete’s mind. This internal chatter is a nuisance. It’s distracting, unhelpful, and takes up WAY too much room in your mind. Ready to break free and make that internal chatter fade away?