How Do Superstitions Hurt Performance?
You’ve heard kids say things like, “I need to wear my blue striped boxers under my uniform at the game today in order to do well; that’s what I wore last time we won.”
Or, “I have to eat chocolate chip pancakes before my game today; that’s what I ate last time I was the top scorer.”
Most kids harbor these kinds of ideas. But truth is, such ideas are irrational superstitions—and they often undermine kids’ performance and confidence.
When kids harbor goofy or irrational beliefs, they assume that something that happened once will happen over and over.
But what happens when they wear their blue-striped boxers over and over, and keep losing? Kids lose confidence.
You can boost young athletes’ confidence by helping them identify such beliefs, and explain that these thoughts often work against sports kids—not for them.
What’s more, don’t feed such superstitions by suggesting that they wear their blue-striped boxers every game!
After you’ve helped kids identify such beliefs, ask them to replace these superstitions with positive routines.
Instead of kids’ relying on superstitions, suggest that, before a game, kids remind themselves of their talents in sports, focus on the process, and let go of expectations.
Pregame routines are based on science, superstitions are based on luck.
Want to learn more about how kids hurt their confidence with negative beliefs and other confidence busters?
We’ve got a tried-and-true program for you called “The Confident Sports Kid: A 7-Day Plan for Building Self-Confidence in Young Athletes.”
It’s really two programs in one—a CD and manual for you, and a CD and workbook for your young athletes. You can check it out here:
The Confident Sports Kid CD and Workbook
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- When Kids Have Goofy Beliefs And Superstitions That Hurt Their Confidence
- Helping Young Athletes Overcome Unhealthy Beliefs About Their Performance
- How Goofy Beliefs Harm Kids’ Sports Confidence and Performance
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