Pressure to Perform

The Pressure to Perform

Sports bring about all different types of emotions for athletes. From performing in front of large crowds, trying to show out in front of family members and coaches, and wanting to be your best self each and every day it can be very overwhelming. It seems like the more competition that arises and room for failure there is, the more athletes much like myself, think of the scenarios that may go wrong and begin to have self-doubt in our own ability's. For a lot of people, they have developed muscle memory from playing the sport for so long and falling in love with the game. That can easily be stripped from an athlete when thrown into a pressure situation where they feel as if they have to perform a certain way. If things get too intense or an athlete gets too overwhelmed, they become very negative and end up "cracking" under pressure. If you are constantly in a negative environment within a sports team, there may be even more failure and struggle amongst athletes. We as people put so much emphasis on perfection and strive to follow so many people that we lose sight of our own strengths and why we play the sport we love. This may cause failure of identity outside of the sport's into other important day to day activities because of confidence and self-esteem becoming hindered.

As an athlete, I have struggled a lot internally with confidence and really trying to find myself again. When negative thoughts arise and you feel like you are constantly under so much pressure, it can make you turn against your own self. It has completely changed my energy and at times has made a sport feel like a chore for me completely stripping away the passion. We strive so much to become like other athletes or be as good as our peers and if we are constantly under comparison, we lack the ability to rise up and shine amongst others. Your body reacts negatively to negative thoughts and emotions. Excessive stress has become the result of feeling let down so many times when you don't perform the way you wanted to or someone does not see your potential.

We as athletes must find ways to cope without inner negativity. Pressure can be a huge roadblock for athletes and EVERYONE has felt it at some point. It is those who fight against the pressure and take it by the horns that become successful. If you let it tear you down, you will just fall farther and farther behind and never reach your full potential.

Much love,
Erin♥