Motivational Moment: Confidence

"""Confidence comes from hard work. It comes from facing different situations and making putts. It comes from knowing you've worked on the right things, so when you get under the gun, you can execute on what you've practiced""
--David Duval - British Open Champion

Confidence is task specific. The more we successfully accomplish a task the more likely we will build confidence. Athletes question or doubt their level confidence primarily because they believe confidence is not in their control. The key to confidence is understanding what the athlete has in their control. Take a moment to think back to a competitive event where you performed extremely well. What were you thinking as you were performing? Were you thinking about the things in your control, out of your control, or just not thinking at all, but just performing? A strong foundation of past successes will build confidence. You must be able to tap into the sources of confidence (past success) that have the most meaning for you and be able to call upon these sources when you need them. Take control of your own confidence by being proactive and become aware of the thoughts and feelings that are in your direct control.

I challenge you to make a list of the Top 5 Sources of Confidence that are under your control or influence during a competitive event? Hint: What people say to you about your performance is not under your direct control. Another hint: Your attitude is in your direct control. Write these Top 5 Sources of Confidence on a 3 x 5 card. Each day for the next 5 days - read and recite to yourself your Top 5 Sources of Confidence. You will be amazed at the difference this exercise will have on your outlook and overall confidence.
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