Sport and performance psychologists focus on identifying and applying psychological principles that facilitate peak sport performance, enhance people’s participation in physical activities and help athletes achieve optimal human performance.

In the world of athletics, it’s common knowledge that what sets champion athletes apart from good athletes is not based on their skill, technique or strength. The difference is that champions are more mentally tough. They have the ability to push past exhaustion, opposition and even injury to reach success.

It is easy to think that lost confidence is lost forever. That you’ll never get that winning feeling back. That you’ll always be on the cusp of success. That the breakthrough will remain elusive.

A run of defeats can feel like they will never end. You have forgotten what it feels like to be successful. Frustration eats away at you. You know you have the talent. It just isn’t being matched by achievement.

But beneath the feelings of uncertainty, the real confident you is desperate to break out. Maybe it’s the time to smash the lock of under-performance, blame and anxiety.

 Why Do We Lose Confidence?…

There are many reasons why confidence is lost in sport:

• Confidence can be destroyed by an unforgiving coach who only ever highlights your weaknesses rather than your strengths.
• A succession of defeats or poor performances can undermine confidence.   
• Difficult team-mates who may not make you welcome in the dressing-room.   
• Long-term injury can have a negative effect on confidence.   
• Unexpected downturns in form can lead to fragile confidence.

Understanding Sport and Performance Psychology

In today’s society, we look up to professional and amateur athletes alike. We admire them for their extraordinary physical attributes and are amazed by their ability to stretch the limits of the human body. We also revere professionals who possess superior psychomotor skills and must perform under intense pressure such as surgeons, firefighters, law enforcement officers, military personnel, performing artists and others. 

However, what most people overlook is the fact that these individuals are not born with the physical prowess and mental resilience they later display. There is a tremendous amount of preparation that goes into performing at this level, and success almost always depends on both physical and mental toughness.

How many times have we seen a professional golfer miss an easy shot during an intense playoff or a veteran recording artist forget the words to a song he’s sung for 30 years?

If you’re wondering how these and others whose livelihoods depend on mental toughness and the ability to persevere during a high-stakes situation, you may want to learn more about sport and performance psychologists.

This subfield of psychology focuses on identifying and applying psychological principles that facilitate peak sport performance, enhance physical ability and achieve optimal human performance.

Sport and Performance Psychology Applied

Sport and performance psychologists are experts in helping athletes and professionals overcome problems that impede performance. Some teach strategies that help clients maximize their physical prowess; others work with clients to overcome anxiety or a traumatic experience, such as a ski fall, that is affecting their confidence. Other clients might need help communicating with colleagues or teammates or accepting a coach’s critiques.

But athletes aren’t the only clients. Consider the rigors of performing surgery, for example. Doctors may need help gaining the confidence to return to the operating room after losing a patient. Actors or comedians may need support getting back on stage following a poor review.

In all of these situations, tapping into the potential of human performance is the key so that individuals can hone resilience skills and perform at their best.