From our research and in using NLP with top athletes it is apparent that a
sense of self-belief in the athletic domain is accompanied by lower precompetition
stress and high athletic performance. Athletes have to perform at
varying times, in different geographic locations, in variable climatic conditions
and in different physical and emotional states. With such a range of potential
conditions in their performance environment, athletes frequently re-assess their
self-beliefs. But how they do this and what they think about will either help or
hinder their performance. The world beaters consistently reappraise their
capabilities and potentials positively, generating productive and beneficial
thinking. A great example of this was Joe Montana, one of the most famous
American Football quarterbacks. Known and loved for his late game heroics, he
made comeback victories look ordinary. His high level of self-belief made him
think "how am I going to get the job done?" He could think this way even under
intense pressure. He never wavered in his belief that he could pull off a victory
and he methodically picked apart his opponents under astonishing conditions.
Are winners and top athletes born or made? We say: "Made". Some might be
born with better physiological dispositions, but World Champions need more
than just high levels of fitness and superior technique. In an article in The
Times in December, Dr Totterdell, a psychologist from the University of
Sheffield explains that "Psychology alone is not going to make anyone into a
great sportsman. It's what makes the difference when talent is equal and
technique is the same." He went on to explain that the psychological side of a
game needs to be practised in the same way as any other skill. This is how
athletes build levels of self-belief far above their counterparts. High selfefficacy
and expectancy beliefs give them the ability to perform consistently at
a higher level than others.
This is the mark of a true professional, believing that they can always be
better than the best and that they have the resources and ability to deal with any
situation that might arise.