Well what a week! Lots of my readers wrote in to wish me good cheer for our karate tournament last week. Thanks so much.
I ended up getting First place in both of my events.
(You know, that ultra-competitive beginner division! haha)
One of my twins got First and Third place medals and the other one had to fight back the tears when he came in fourth and didn't place. (those pesky tenths of a point!!) Still, we all had a great time together and I highly recommend learning how to fight with world class trainers if at all possible.
It is encouraging to face a challenge and find yourself with NO
anxiety. The funny thing is that I got VERY anxious in my own dojo the week before. I had to go home & practice the same technique I use with my clients to move to a place of my own power. That's what my book – Flow on Demand, the Athlete's Edge is all about.
That is the craziest thing when your heart starts beating wildly when you least expect it. I had totally forgotten what that's like.
What is the best way to overcome that anxiety? Prepare your nervous system for it! Remember, it's more than a mind game. Your
success needs to blend your body, mind and emotions.
Speaking of performance anxiety, lets go over a few keys to breaking through to your calm and relaxed state.
1. BREATHE!!
You DO have the power to slow your own heartbeat. Do it like this:
-Breathe in slowly to the count of four. Let the air fill your belly before you feel it in your chest.
-hold that air for a count of four. While you do, picture your muscles relaxing and your heart rate slowing.
-Exhale to a count of four – this is more slowly than you'll be inclined to do it.
-Hold that exhale for another count of four. You may feel a tiny bit lightheaded at this point. That's good. Repeat the process
a few more times. Let each breath strengthen your peaceful state.
2. Acknowledge the anxiety and offer acceptance/forgiveness
Internal conflict happens when we fight what is going on inside of ourselves. Conflict is the opposite of flow. So, instead of being
angry at the anxiety – simply acknowledge it and offer acceptance. On some level your subconscious is trying to protect you from
something, but this does not mean there is anything to fear. Just thank your body for sounding the alarm, and let it know everything
is all right by you.
3. Create an empowering choice
If the thought of doing something fills you with anxiety, due to a past memory, or fear of the unknown, you can change your response.
Choose to be calm and confident.
All this happens in one breath, as you say, "Even though I feel this anxiety, I totally accept myself & my emotions and I choose to
be calm & confident anyway."
After that simply tap with your fingertips on the meridian targets on your body. (If you're a fighter – you know these are striking
targets because they affect your whole body.)
You will feel calmer instantly. You should also feel good again the next time you face that stimulus.
Here are some of those targets:
-ear: in front of the earlobe on your jaw
-eye: under your eye on the bone
-upper lip: between your lip and your nose
-lower lip: between your lower lip and your chin
-"heart:" using your whole hand touch the tips of your collarbone
-wrist: where you would take your pulse
There are more potential targets but these have never failed to work for me and my clients. If you want to know more, than for sure download The Athlete's Edge and schedule a strategy session with me. I love helping people eliminate the blocks that keep them
from their breakthrough.
Until next time, keep playing hard and enjoy your game!!
I'm in your corner,
{ 0 comments… add one now }