Allow self-confidence to emerge

We’re all familiar with those performers who exude such supreme self-confidence that sometimes it’s read as arrogance. Well, there’s a fine line and sometimes it is arrogance. But for our purposes, let’s focus on the confidence piece.

Self-confidence in sport, specifically, is about tapping into your body’s inner intelligence to achieve a coordinated and powerful movement. If we apply this to running a business, it’s about quieting the chatty mind and critical voice, and allowing your leadership wisdom to shine through. When we dissect this further and consider Self 1 as the ego-mind and Self 2 as the body (including the brain and nervous system), we’re really referring to the ability of Self 1 to trust Self 2. As that trust is developed, so too is our self-confidence, which over time allows us to just do the damn thing . . . instead of always doubting and getting in our own way.

What happens when we don’t trust in our abilities? When Self 1 doesn’t trust Self 2? Well, we try too hard. One way this extra effort manifests is by the body becoming tense. We tighten up, using more muscles than are necessary. This excess tightening then results in a less powerful action, which goes against what we’re usually trying to do in sport. At the very least, it makes our movements less efficient.

So, how do we lean into trust? We need to separate ourselves from the physical actions our body makes. Self 1 needs to become a witness - a quiet observer, not a helicopter parent. This allows Self 2 to learn on its own. In fact, Self 2 is really good at receiving biofeedback and adjusting accordingly. But, it can’t forego the natural learning process if Self 1 is constantly interfering. 

One way to practice being a witness is to meditate on the breath. Watch your breath flow in and out as if you were watching waves moving in and out of the shore. You don’t try to control the waves - or the breath - you simply watch them. 

Lastly, remember that Self 2 relies on the visual system and sensory experiences to learn. Observe, feel, and allow - that’s all you have to do. Over time, your self-confidence will grow as Self 1 begins to trust Self 2.