You Got This!

You have physically & mentally prepared for your challenge ahead, whether it be scaling a peak, playing in a competitive tournament, or running a race, but have you rehearsed your game day script? Self-talk may have a powerful impact on your performance. Two recent studies investigated the effects of various styles of self-talk on performance outcomes. deMatos et al. compared instructional and motivational scripts prior to a 750m swim time trial (2020). Athletes that rehearsed motivational sentences prior to their swim test had significant improvements, whereas the instructional group maintained their results. Cooper et al. investigated the use of a personalized self-talk intervention on runners (2020). 800m finish times improved with the use of a mix of instructional & motivational cues. These studies build on prior research by Hardy et al. that examined the subtlety of self-talk in the first or second person (2019). This study required athletes cycle a 10km time trial. Despite perceived exertion remaining the same, when athletes used a second person approach, they produced significantly greater power throughout the time trial. These studies provide examples of the benefits of utilizing a carefully thought-out self-talk strategy capable of enhancing performance. It’s readily available at every athlete’s disposal, so go ahead & give it a try. ‘You got this’!