<Peak Level> One Powerful Word That Can Change How We Show Up
Performing At Peak Levels In Sport & Life
Hello Team,
‘It can be one word that creates a shift in experience for players’.
We were in a play-off match against Switzerland and just before we took the pitch, a player came to me and said; “I’m feeling soo nervous”
Me; AND?
Player; AND what?
Me; you’re feeling nervous, AND you can still perform!
Player; Huh
Me; I am feeling nervous, AND I can still perform, Yes?
There was a shift I could see in his face, and I walked off.
Having the trust and knowing the player gives us a perspective on what might be helpful to them in the moment.
He had done the preparation, he was more than capable of dealing with what may come his way in the game.
There was no time to have a chat about what’s going on for him.
He played well. However, Switzerland won the game.
The following International, we had the opportunity during our preparations to have a chat pitch side.
I love chatting with players pitch side.
There is something about the outdoors and grass that connects people.
Our conversation went like this:
Player; I don’t know; I never felt like that before. I was getting stressed.
When you said to me ‘AND’, I had no idea what you meant.
But then,……for some reason I stopped worrying and got on with it.
Me; cool man, what did you learn?
Player; I learnt, I can be nervous ‘AND’ still perform
Me; what happened when you decided; I can still perform, even though I'm feeling nervous?
Player; I was still feeling nervous, but it didn’t have the hold on me like it did leaving the changing room.
I was trying to be positive in the changing room, but it wasn’t working, it was making matters worse.
It can be one word that creates a shift in experience for players.
That one word 'AND' was a helpful tool in the moment for this player.
Allowing him to be with the feelings of nervousness and still perform.
Maybe it can be for you too.
You’ve got this…..
In Your Corner,
Coach Damian
Your Biggest Fan