Sports Psychology with Jenny Smatt

ELEVATING ENERGY LEVELS THROUGH POSITIVE THINKING

In our last article we shared that as humans we are energetic beings comprised of cell tissue that forms a mass of energy. We also know that what we think about, what we fuel our mind with and the level and type of energy those we surround ourselves have, ultimately impacts our energy levels. In turn, this influences the quality of our experience and therefore significantly shapes our athletic performance.

In this article we will explore how we can improve our performance with specific strategies in the first of two areas that impact our energy – what we do, think and feel. As a starting point, let’s consider common negative thoughts that can reduce our energy and can shift us from high-performing to lowperforming. These thoughts or phrases we actually verbalize can include:

1. I am not good enough. 2. I am not prepared enough. 3. She’s faster than me/better than me. 4. I can’t do it. 5. This always happens to me.

To illustrate this premise, try saying the above out loud, slowly. Notice your energy level and note it on a scale of 1-10. How does your body feel? Then write down what comes to mind. Do you think about a race or event that went poorly? Do you think about a training period that wasn’t ideal? Can you connect with your energy level at all and the experiences associated with these phrases?

When we replace these thoughts with positive ones, and say them with assertion, our energy shifts.

• I am amazing, powerful and successful.

I deserve all of the success that comes to me. • I have worked hard, done everything within my power to prepare. I am ready. • I am focused on my race/event/game/. No one is better prepared or ready than I am;

I am going to rock this! • I’ve got this! • I have so much to be grateful for; my coach, my support network, the opportunity to compete. Challenges are simply temporary tests along my journey to success! What I dream of will happen.

Good things have, can and can always happen for me.

Now repeat the exercise above by saying these statements out loud. What’s your energy level on a scale of 1 -10? What thoughts come to mind? How is your body language similar or different? Do you feel lighter, more optimistic?

Saying positive affirmations out loud and spending a majority of our time thinking in this way will improve how we feel and ultimately the quality of our training and performance. We all encounter challenging situations, however, being conscious about whether or not we allow negative thoughts to exist is a proven strategy for improving performance. Notice the percentage of time you spend thinking negative thoughts and how long you allow them to stay with you.

Similarly, what we do as part of our daily ritual can affect our performance. If we are deliberate about increasing our energetic vibration, we position ourselves for greater success. For example, when you wake up, try doing the following to elevate your energy levels:

• Look at a picture of a loved one or someone who inspires you. Reflect for a minute on a fond memory. • Think (or write) three things you are grateful for. This sets the tone for the day to a peaceful one, focused on what is going well rather than what isn’t. • Take a deep breath and set your intention for the day. Today I am going to have a fantastic workout or today, I am going to listen and apply everything my coach says.

This will ensure you are present, in the moment and establish a positive priority for you. • Avoid looking at your phone, social media or email for at least 30 minutes.

Elevating your energy is a proven strategy for not only improving performance but also quality of life. Practicing these simple but effective energy elevation techniques are guaranteed to improve your performance. As the famous Buddhist saying goes “What we think, we become” – let’s fuel our bodies and our future with positive and productive thoughts and energy!