This is a sub section of Fixed versus Growth Mindset:

Fixed – Pessimistic

Growth – Optimistic

When talking to athletes, there are key words that should be listened to and those are:

• “I” phrases
• “We” phrases
• Use of “should/shouldn’t”
• And how they talk about their mistakes and achievements

By simply having a conversation with an athlete, these among other phrases expose the athlete as being pessimistic or optimistic. This is important… as this is another factor that what we think and say affects the physical well being and performance.

Numerous studies find that this who are optimistic perform better, find ways to win and succeed and in heavier situations, recover from injury faster. Compare that to those who are pessimistic, they fold under pressure easier, personalize mistakes and setbacks, and have a hard time recovering as fast as they could.

Take a look at these phrases as an example and if you find yourself using pessimistic statements, or statements close to it, it is not the end of the world, this is an easier fix than most mental pattern topics.

Pessimistic:

“I made the team lose the game”

“I am a failure because I lost the game/match”

“We lost because of me”

“I should be a lot better”

“I shouldn’t be on the field / court because of that mistake”

Optimistic:

“It was a bad game, I know what to improve on”

“We lost, but have the opportunities and skills to have pulled through with a win”

“I will get it right next time”

“I should keep my head up and not minimize myself and skills”

“I shouldn’t put too much on this loss with so much ahead of me/us”

They are subtle difference but feed into either fixed or growth mindset statuses. This doesn’t alleviate you from total responsibility of self imposed set backs, but gives you the opportunity for growth and development, rather than staying in a place of self loathing and halting any progress.

If you find yourself making pessimistic comments, reach out to myself or an athletic counselor professional , or stay tuned from more simple tricks by subscribing to the website. Think this might be useful for an athlete near you, share with them!

-Malique Taylor