Step 7: Use Your Mind

Positive self talk and good mental readiness are extremely important in your daily practice and preparation for competitions. Developing positive self talk can improve concentration, focus, and confidence. Speak words of encouragement to yourself. Speak, or think about the key words that your coach gives you to correct mistakes. For instance, if you get emotional when practice starts to go downhill, tell yourself positive, confidence building things such as: “I can do this, I have overcome obstacles like this before, I am calm and focusing on what I need to do.”

A classic work on this subject is Norman Vincent Peale’s “Positive Imaging,” written many years ago. An easy read, Positive Imaging explains how this process can help in all areas of your life, not just skating! Click here to order this book at a 20% discount.

When preparing for a skating competition, be aware of how the stress of the event affects you. If you usually get a little too nervous and excited, then practice self talk and imagery that calms you down. If you don’t get enough adrenaline going, try to think about things that get you excited or get you pepped up for the big event. Visualize your jumps and elements performed flawlessly. See and feel yourself going through your program and skating a perfectly clean program. This is an excellent way to lay the groundwork before stepping onto the ice to compete.

These concepts are not new to athletic competition. However most skaters do not realize that it takes practice to get good at self talk and imagery. It’s too late to start during the five minute warm-up. Practice on a daily basis these skills and see for yourself how much they can help your performance.

• Marta Nilsen helps answer the Ask The Pros questions here at IceSkatingWorld.com. She is a master-rated coach teaching at the Lexington Ice and Recreation Center in Kentucky.