The Truth About Nerves: Get The Butterflies Flying In Formation
Nerves in sports, or any performance domain, are a common experience.
We often talk about ‘butterflies’ - that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach. This is often accompanied by sweaty palms, elevated heart rate, or the shakes.
The key to high-performance is not to eliminate nerves - that will leave you flat - but to focus your nervous energy.
Get the butterflies to fly in formation…
Start by embracing the nerves as a natural part of performance. They signal that you care and your body is ready to confront the challenge.
Then, try any of these tools and techniques:
Mental imagery. Picture yourself succeeding at the task, each move executed perfectly. This mental rehearsal can enhance your confidence and calm your racing thoughts.
Warm-up. Engage in a routine that loosens your muscles and steadies your heartbeat. This not only prepares your body but also shifts your focus from anxiety to action.
Positive mindset. Have confidence in your training and abilities. trust yourself… you’ve done the reps.
Remember, butterflies can propel you to perform at your best when you harness their energy.
With practice, you can transform pre-performance jitters into a powerful super strength.
Dr Rich Sille is an HCPC-registered performance psychologist, with over 25 years’ experience working in the high-performance domains of sport, business, and performing arts. He is dedicated to helping individuals and teams maximise performance and enhance wellbeing.