Let's put an end to Negative Self-Talk

​A lot of us watched the athletes in the recent Olympics. While watching the athlete's fabulous physical performances, I noticed how much they were talking to themselves. Although we couldn't hear what they were saying, one thing for sure is they were talking to themselves. The other thing I'm sure of is after waiting four years to compete in the Olympics, expending many hours in practice, competition, and travel to have the opportunity to compete against their peers.
As lawn bowlers, we also talk to ourselves, and all too often, I hear negative us talk about how poorly we are performing. Here are some examples of negative self-talk I have heard this season:

• Missed the line by a mile.
• I can't make that shot.
• I'm short again.
• I'm playing awful today.
• This green is impossible!
• Why can't I find the weight?
• I'm never going to win this game.

Negative self-talk is also known as self-sabotage. Negative self-talk is your unconscious mind telling you; you cannot win; you cannot make this shot. As humans, we have the choice to believe in ourselves or not. 

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