There’s a powerful shift you can make that will instantly increase your confidence heading into a game. It’s not complicated. In fact, it’s something you’re already doing — just in the wrong direction.
This tip is built on what you’re seeing in your mind before competition starts. Because what you visualize — even unintentionally — plays a huge role in how confident (or scared) you feel once the game begins.
In today’s article, I’ll show you how one small change in your thinking can fill your mind with confidence-boosting imagery and help you perform your best.
The Connection Between Thoughts and Confidence
I was recently working with a soccer player during a one-on-one coaching session. He had just started my program, and one of the first things I always do with new athletes is look at how their thoughts impact their emotional state and performance.
We began exploring the difference between the games where he felt confident versus the games where he felt scared.
What stood out was this:
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When he focused on playing well, scoring goals, and making good passes, he felt confident.
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When he focused on not playing badly, not turning the ball over, and not making mistakes, he felt nervous, tense, and timid.
It was clear his thoughts were directly impacting his confidence.
And if you’re like him — and like so many athletes I work with — this is probably happening to you too.
Your Brain Doesn’t Understand “Don’t”
Here’s the problem…many athletes go into a game thinking things like:
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“Don’t mess up.”
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“Don’t lose the ball.”
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“Don’t get yelled at.”
But your brain doesn’t really register words like “don’t.”
It skips right over them.
So when you say, “Don’t make a mistake,” what your mind actually sees is: You making a mistake.
That’s the image that gets projected in your mind. Not because you want it to — but because that’s how your brain processes information.
What Are You Projecting Onto the Mental Screen?
To help the soccer player I was working with visualize this, I asked him to imagine there’s a mental projector playing in his mind before each game.
When he thinks:
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“I want to play well.”
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“I want to score.”
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“I want to make clean passes.”
The mental projector shows scenes of him doing exactly that. He’s seeing himself succeed.
But when he thinks:
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“I don’t want to mess up.”
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“I can’t turn the ball over.”
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“I don’t want to get yelled at.”
The projector shows scenes of him making mistakes, getting frustrated, and feeling embarrassed.
And here’s the key: Whatever scenes are being projected in your mind are going to influence your confidence.
If you’re mentally watching yourself fail — even if it’s unintentional — you’re going to feel more scared and uncertain heading into the game.
Would You Rather Watch a Highlight Reel or a Lowlight Reel?
To drive this point home, I asked the athlete a simple question: If you had the choice, would you rather watch a video of yourself making great plays, or a video of yourself making mistakes, before a game?
Of course, he chose the highlight reel. Because that’s what would boost his confidence.
And now I want to ask you the same thing:
Before your next game, which video are you mentally watching?
Are you seeing yourself play well? Or are you focused on not messing up?
Because either way, your brain is creating a movie. The question is whether it’s one that builds confidence or one that adds doubt.
How to Use This Tip to Build Confidence Before Games
Here’s how you can use this principle to your advantage:
Visualize Success Before the Game
Take a few minutes before each game to picture yourself playing well. See yourself making good decisions, staying calm under pressure, and performing the way you want to perform.
Recall Past Successes
Think about times in the past when you’ve played well.
Replay those memories in your mind like a highlight reel. This is a powerful way to reinforce confidence and remind yourself what you’re capable of.
Avoid “Don’t” Language
Instead of saying, “Don’t mess up,” say something like:
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“Stay locked in.”
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“Make smart plays.”
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“Trust my training.”
Focus on what you want to do, not what you want to avoid.
Final Thoughts: What You Picture, You Feel
Even if you’re not playing great right now…
Even if you’re worried about your performance…
And even if you’re scared of losing your starting position…
You still have control over what you visualize.
So start training your mind to see success.
Because what you see, you feel. And the more scenes of success you play in your mind, the more confident you’ll feel stepping onto the field or court.
Want Help Building Real Confidence?
If this message resonated with you and you want to take your mental game to the next level, I offer a 12-week one-on-one coaching program designed to help athletes just like you overcome fear, build confidence, and perform freely.
I’ve also created two online courses:
And if you’re more of a reader, check out my books:
Thank you for reading and I wish you the best of success in all that you do.
