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How are these two scenarios related?
Scenario One:

Scenario Two:
Imagine for a moment that you are watching one of your favorite shows on Netflix. Your friend or family

Self Talk: What To Do
There is a great deal written about positive and negative self-talk in the sport. But we should also be addressing and using self-talk that is directed towards what you want to occur in practice, training or competition. This means instructing to yourself about what to do.
So the answer to the question-how are these two scenarios related: they are about how we talk to ourselves and this self-talk affects our focus. In his book, On The Sweet Spot, Richard Keefe wrote: “If a golfer becomes nervous that he is closing in on the best round of life, and wants to focus on the current shot instead of his intense desire for a low number, the ability to maintain control of his thinking at this crucial time will greatly improve his chances of avoiding the distractions of his expectations.” This would include having self-talk about having an orientation toward the target and rather than the hazard. Self Talk about instructing himself on his grip or follow through would also be helpful for focusing on the task and rather than his score.
I like to use two events in track to compare the link between our body and brain. One event is the open 100m and the other is the 100m hurdles. Sprinters will finish the race faster when running the open 100m. When we give ourselves too many descriptions of what not to do I think it is more like running 100m hurdles. The sprinter will get to the finish line, but it will take longer if there are hurdles instead of the open 100m. When you can get good at telling your brain what you want to do or have happened, and keep that as your guiding self-talk, it is more like sprinting the 100m. The circuit from your brain to your body is faster. Scenario 1 from above is like running a race that has hurdles. Scenario 2 from above is like running a race with no hurdles. In scene two it was a quick decision to watch a show and not divide attention between a conversation and a show.
Talking to Yourself is Normal
It is okay to talk back to yourself. Not everything you say in your head is true. When you opt to talk back to your “do not” voice this does not mean you are crazy. In fact, it might mean you are resilient. We all have fears. But if you face them and direct your self-talk to the moment at hand, and what you need to do in that moment, then you can skip some of the hurdles.
Three Keys to Remember
1. We all dialogue in our head.
2. When we use more dialogue about what not to do or what to avoid, then we are on a path with hurdles and it takes longer for our brain and body to “talk.”
3. Talk back to yourself about what you want or what your target is when your fears creep in. You might do it a 100o times in an hour but it will get easier with time.