I always thought reflection was a load of s***e!

I once worked with an athlete in the past who reached out to me with a lack of confidence. We discussed where why this was and discovered some beliefs that we started unpacking.

We also began implementing some reflective practices practices. Simple practices beginning with just reflecting on training sessions.

What went well and why? What could be improved and how? Nothing outrageous. One of the major ways of building a robust confidence for ourselves is by having evidence that we have done work or improved in some way.

• A technical skill we have improved upon

• Making the first team training group

• Evidence of training sessions from the preseason

Without evidence we lean towards the negative and any doubts we have about our game become amplified.

So, when this player played in a county final, they found that their mindset was much better than it had been previously. They weren't as fearful. They felt more confident. Mistakes didn't bother them. We investigated what they had done.

The day before the game – a time when they would usually build up the game and create a sense of panic for themselves – they looked through the reflections they had recorded.

This helped them ease any panic and reminded them that they were ready to compete the next day.

When we spoke about this, they laughed about it and shared what they had thought about reflection.

“I always thought reflection was a load of shite!”

They felt that that reflection was pointless because you would never have enough evidence. They realised that you don’t need that that many reflection entries. Just enough to get you started. Enough to remind you of the skills you already have. Over the course of a month's training and games, you build up plenty of evidence as to what you are good at. So if you’re thinking the same thing about reflection, give it go and see how you get on.

It might be the starting point for your mindset.

Want to talk it through?

If you want to take the next step next year book a free 20-minute call and let's have a chat about how I can support you.

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Eddy