“If you are afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail.” Kobie Bryant

Many athletes are held back by the fear of losing or fear of failure in their performance.

Dealing with fear of failure is difficult as it results in a lot of anxiety and stress that sabotages your performance and the team’s performance.

The fear of losing or failure revolves around the perception of your performance and the importance of your role is in the game. It is also linked to your perception of what others think about your performance.

Most athletes are scared about letting their coach or the team down. They might worry about not performing well according to their parents and fans, which will hinder their performance.

Dealing with fear of failure is not easy; however, constant efforts will build your confidence and make you fearless. When you are relaxed and fearless, you will play better.

Here are some powerful strategies to help you deal with the Mental Side of Fear.

1. Winners know that to err is human.
If you have never failed, it means you have not made significant efforts towards becoming your best self. If you want to succeed, you must put forth extraordinary steps daily. If you do not succeed, learn from the experience, put a new plan in place with goals and do it again.

2. Winners make fewer mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes, but the one who makes fewer mistakes wins. Most games are won by error containment. You are entitled to make mistakes but limit them. The mentally tough athlete is better equipped and makes fewer errors.

3. Winners learn from mistakes.
No player has ever had a perfect game. You will make errors but do not dwell on them. Learn from the mistakes by acknowledging they happen, regroup, refocus, then move on. If you do not learn from your mistakes, it is likely to occur again.

4. Winners move on.
Do not keep thinking about your mistakes. To be a winner, the ability to move on quickly is essential. A failure or mistake is not the end. It is a time to pause and reflect on how you can do things better the next time.

5. Winners have a self-coaching system.
What you say to yourself matters. To be a winner, you must have a positive self-coaching system – your inner voice. Positive self-talk allows you to be more relaxed and focused. Negative thoughts will increase anxiety levels. In reverse, positive self-talk creates happiness and excitement that lead to successful performance.

6. Winners know that failure is just a detour.
Failures are nothing but minor delays in the path of significant success. Albert Einstein said, “I think and think for months, for years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.” This was his strategy, and he stayed with it. Not giving up was his solution to all the problems he faced.

7. Winners know how to admit their failures.
When you admit your failure and have a strategy for improvement, it lessens the fear of what people may say. It shows you are a secure person, open to learning and growing. Creating a perfect image is stressful. It is like building a fragile world around you that can burst at any time. The best lessons and growth happen in the valley.

Fear of failure is real, and it is paralyzing. Having the mental strength to work through your fears will help you succeed in sports and life.

For more strategies on how to deal with the fear of failure, visit dcmentaltraininu.com.