Many sports enthusiasts probably have problems like, "I can do it in practice, but I fail in the actual competition," or "I can't stop thinking about a single mistake."
This article, based on an interview with Ozeki Ansei Nishiki of sumo wrestling, clearly explains the "mental mindset" that influences success in sports. You will gain a concrete understanding of how to deal with failure and how to build confidence, and find hints for improving your performance.
Athletes who grow don't think of "failure = the end."
What is emphasized throughout the interview is,The attitude of repeatedly taking on challenges is the most important factor in improving athletic performance.That's the point.
Many athletes get overly emotional about their results, but the closer you get to the top level, the simpler your mindset becomes.
– One failure doesn't mean the end of your life.
– Mistakes are opportunities for improvement.
– Confidence is born not from past successes, but from the number of times you try.
In other words, this is the idea that valuing the "process of continuously challenging oneself" rather than the results leads to long-term growth.
Mental strength in competition is not about mental fortitude,Thinking habits (mindset)That's right.
Three mental habits to stabilize performance
Point 1: Analyze failures
Don't let a mistake end with just the emotion of "it was no good,"
– Why it happened
– What will you change next?
By considering this, experience becomes an asset.
Point 2: Accumulate small successes
Confidence doesn't just appear out of nowhere.
It's important to recognize small achievements, such as "I played a little better than yesterday" or "I made one move exactly as I intended."
Point 3: Increase the number of attempts
Growth rate is more proportional to the number of attempts than to talent.
By trying repeatedly, you will naturally develop resilience to tension and pressure.
This way of thinking applies not only to individual sports like golf, baseball, and tennis, but to all sports.
"Confidence" comes from actions, not results.
Anseikin's comments offered some interesting insights into his confidence.
Many people tend to think that "confidence comes from success."
However, the reality is the opposite.Action → Experience → Familiarity → ConfidenceIt is formed in the following order.
Therefore,
– Waiting for perfect preparations
– Choose only situations where failure is unlikely.
Such an attitude will actually hinder growth.
"Attempting to do something even if it's imperfect" is ultimately the most efficient form of mental training.
Summary
Mental strengthening in sports is not about having special talent or strong willpower.
Failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to growth.
Confidence is born from a series of challenges.
– The amount of action you take builds mental strength
When you're struggling with the results, the simple act of "trying again" is what leads to future growth.
I learned from an interview with Ansei Nishiki that you shouldn't rush, but just take one step forward compared to yesterday. The experience you accumulate will definitely change your play, and as a result, it will lead to building confidence.
