Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has revealed her pre-competition ritual: whispering three empowering words to herself - "Confidence" and "You have this." This intentional self-talk has contributed to her success, making her the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast.
According to Ethan Kross, a University of Michigan psychology professor and author of "Chatter," speaking positively to oneself can calm nerves, emulate practice feelings, and decrease stress. Kross suggests using third-person self-talk, like Biles' "You got this," to improve performance.
Kross emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk in combating negative thoughts, or "chatter," which can hinder performance in various aspects of life. His book outlines strategies for improving internal monologues, including:
- Distanced self-talk
- Writing
- Decreasing screen time
- Seeking nature and physical contact
Kross notes that individuals can benefit from a combination of these methods, just as they would with physical exercise routines.
By adopting positive self-talk, individuals can develop a winning mindset, echoing Biles' success. As Kross says, "There's no magic pill," but with the right strategies, anyone can improve their mental game.
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