How to Improve Self Confidence in Tennis
Why do some tennis players feel hesitant to share their goals with other people?
Setting goals is an achievement strategy, and verbalizing goals can add a layer of commitment to working towards their objective.
However, there are several reasons why some players keep their personal goals to themselves:
- You may not feel confident in their ability to achieve something significant. You may be able to identify what you want to accomplish for the season but fear you will fall short.
- You may not feel you are as good as other players who haven’t reached that level of success. Therefore, you might conclude your goal is just a dream.
- You may feel your teammates and coaches will judge you. You are afraid your teammates will think you are unrealistic and laugh about what you want to accomplish.
- You might be trying to insulate yourself from disappointment or embarrassment. Negative thoughts are potent deterrents, “What if I don’t accomplish my goals?” “What will other people think of me?” “I will feel like a failure.”
First of all, let’s make three significant points:
1. Not everyone wants you to succeed. Some of your teammates would rather see you fail than put in the work themselves for success.
2. Others will judge you and talk behind your back, regardless of what you want to accomplish.
3. Lastly, trying and failing is better than never trying at all. The regret of not trying will last with you for a lifetime.
Why does verbalizing goals help in goal attainment?
1. Verbalizing goals motivate you to push in practice and training sessions. Doing so will hold you accountable.
2. When you verbalize your goal to someone, you form an alliance or support that will keep you encouraged through the rough times.
3. When someone knows your goals, they can give you constructive feedback to help you improve your game.
Carlos Alcaraz may only be 18-years-old, but he is confident, determined, and goal-oriented. Alcaraz has proven himself a force in tennis by reaching the semifinals at the 2022 Indian Wells and winning the 2022 Miami Open.
However, Alcaraz is not satisfied just yet. Alcaraz has his eyes set on something more significant, and he is not afraid to share his goal.
ALCARAZ: “I am not afraid to say I want to win a Grand Slam. I know it is going to be really hard, but I am not afraid to say it.”
Alcaraz knows he will need to put in the work, and by verbalizing his goal, he is creating a verbal contract that will push him to put in the work, even when he doesn’t feel up to it.
Finding an ally to confide in will significantly increase your chances of success.
Tip for Finding an Ally and Sharing your Goals
Find someone you feel comfortable telling your goals, such as a coach or a Mental Game Coach.
Not only can an ally be an asset for game planning and reviewing matches, but your ally may see things from a different but beneficial perspective.
Keep in mind that goals are NOT expectations. Golf help you strive to improve your game and can change at any time during the season.
Related Tennis Psychology Articles
- When You Need a Time off to Refocus
- Growt Manage Emotions in Matches
- How to Assess Your Game After Losing Matches
- Download our a FREE Tennis Psychology Report
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