In their quest to be perfect, some cheerleaders focus more on NOT making a mistake than on executing a skill well.  Ironically, this preoccupation makes it more likely that the cheerleader will make a mistake! 

Why is this? Well, think about it – if your attention is focused on what NOT to do, what is the communication between your brain and your body?  That’s right – your brain is telling your body to do what you don’t want it to do.  Your brain does not hear the negative, it only processes the instruction.  For example, if you are thinking, “don’t fall,” your brain experiences it as “fall.” 

Plus, if you are worrying about what not to do, your body will be tense and you will not be able to move as fluidly as you would otherwise.  In any kind of sport performance, it is always best to focus on what you want to do, not what you do not want to do. 

If you are afraid of falling, focus on what you need to do to execute the skill well.  It may be something like, “hold firm,” or “smooth and strong,” – something that conjures up a positive image that is consistent with how you want to execute the skill. 

Have you signed up for my free Confident Cheerleading Tips?  You can do it right now – simply scroll up to the upper right side of the blog and enter your name and email address and in a few minutes you will receive my 10 annotated peak performance tips! 

As always, please feel free to offer your comments or ask questions about any aspect of the mental game of cheerleading!