How Champions Think Ch 3

The way a person thinks about themselves.

Specific belief in one's ability to do something well.

General belief that things will turn out alright with effort.

A person's thoughts about themselves greatly affect their achievements.

Strong belief in one's skills is strongly linked to success in that specific area.

Confidence isn't solely acquired from success; it can be chosen and influenced by thoughts.

Subconscious thoughts, unlike conscious ones, aren't critically evaluated and automatically record the thoughts we have about ourselves.

Your self-image is a record of all past thoughts about yourself. Recent and emotionally charged thoughts are more influential.

Continuously feed your subconscious mind with positive thoughts and experiences.

Champions avoid dwelling on past mistakes; instead, they focus on positive memories and experiences.

Champions understand that while it's good to celebrate successes, dwelling on mistakes is counterproductive.

Focusing on and remembering positive experiences and achievements, like successful golf shots.

Ignoring or not dwelling on errors.

Trusting own ability in sand traps (bunkers).

The subconscious mind influences actions and reactions, particularly motor skills like a golf swing.

Focusing on positive aspects related to outcomes, instead of concluding negative outcomes.

Acknowledge good shots as accomplishments, rather than assuming they should happen.

Not allowing bad experiences to affect your emotional state.

Improving how one views themself in a specific area of skill.

A game where a more talented team is expected to lose due to overconfidence.

Overconfidence can lead to a decrease in performance by causing a lack of preparation and focus.

Confidence is not a static state, but a dynamic process that needs to be nurtured and maintained.

Confident athletes are not lazy; they focus on preparation and fundamentals.

Confidence leads to sustained effort, which in turn leads to success.

Confidence helps athletes overcome slumps by maintaining a positive mindset.

Confidence is not always about skill but can be influenced by external factors.

Confidence is a skill that can be developed and improved through deliberate practice and focus.

Confidence can be expressed through a positive and assertive attitude, particularly in competitive settings.

Confidence is a crucial element of success, but it needs to be balanced with humility and a focus on hard work.

Hogan realized focusing on perfection was hindering his performance. He shifted to mastering fundamental movements and playing confident golf.

Success doesn't always come from perfecting skills, but from having the confidence to use them well.

Confidence leads to effort which leads to success which reinforces confidence, building a positive loop.

A lack of self-belief can hinder effort and performance, even if skills are present.

Financial consultants can attract wealthy clients by believing in their own ability to help them invest wisely.

Professional athletes, despite already having achieved high levels of skill, often struggle with confidence when facing a higher level of competition where everyone is extremely skilled.

Champions don't chase perfect skills; they focus on building a confident self-image, believing they can succeed even with imperfections.

Athletes often rely on their coaches for confidence, internalizing their praise and belief. When this external reinforcement changes, confidence can falter.

Athletes who were previously confident and successful may lose their confidence when facing a higher level of competition with more skilled opponents.

Even though the basic mechanics remain the same, athletes who were confident free-throw shooters in college may struggle in the pros due to decreased confidence.

Continually chasing perfect skills can be a negative habit, hindering confidence and hindering progress in achieving goals.

Confident athletes don't wait for perfect skills to succeed; they embrace their strengths and overcome their weaknesses with a positive mindset.

A champion golfer, Martin Kaymer, lost confidence by focusing on perfecting his skills and temporarily lost his winning edge.