Mistakes! Gymnasts, you need to give yourself permission to make them! - December 2022
Why? Well, there are a few reasons. First and foremost, we are human and cannot expect to be perfect – not even Olympians are perfect! Second, mistakes are how we learn and how we get better. So even though I hate making mistakes, I know that it is an opportunity for me to learn something and improve. Third, permitting yourself to make mistakes will help you perform better. Now, I know that might sound wrong, but it is true.
See, when we tell ourselves we must be perfect and we have no room for errors, we develop a fear-driven mindset. Our body feels tenser, more pressure, and our anxiety heightens. Think about it…if you are telling yourself “You can’t fall…you have to be perfect…You must win, " you will likely feel pressure and anxiety.
Also, when we fear making a mistake, the fear causes us to focus on what we don’t want to happen. Our attention shifts to focusing on avoiding the mistake not focusing on the present moment and what you need to do to perform your best.
Coaches and parents, it is imperative that you help your gymnast learn that mistakes are okay, normal, and part of life. We need to develop an environment where mistakes are okay, and where the gymnast is supported unconditionally whether they make a mistake or not. Believe me, your gymnasts are not purposely making a mistake.
One of the paradoxes in sports is that the more you tell someone it is okay to make mistakes, the less likely it is to happen. Conversely, telling them they MUST win/succeed is very counterproductive and more than likely raises the risk of making mistakes.
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