THE POWER OF POSITIVE SELF-TALK

Your Inner Voice Shapes Your Reality

Listen to Lesson 8

The voice in your head is your most constant companion. It can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy. Champions choose positive self-talk.

❌ Negative Self-Talk

"I can't beat this guy"
"I always choke in big matches"
"I'm too tired"
"I suck at wrestling"
"Everyone's watching me fail"
"Why even try?"

This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.

✓ Positive Self-Talk

"I'm ready for this challenge"
"I've prepared well"
"I'm getting stronger"
"I control my effort and attitude"
"Next play, next opportunity"
"I'm a predator"

This builds confidence and resilience.

How to Develop Positive Self-Talk

1. Catch Negative Thoughts

Notice when negative self-talk appears. You can't change what you don't notice.

2. Challenge Them

Ask: "Is this thought true? Is it helpful?" Usually the answer is no to both.

3. Replace with Truth

Swap negative thought with a positive, truthful statement about what you CAN control.

4. Create Power Statements

Develop 3-5 phrases that pump you up. Repeat them before and during competition.

5. Practice Daily

Self-talk is a habit. The more you practice positive self-talk in practice, the more automatic it becomes in competition.

Example Power Statements

• "I am prepared and ready"

• "I control my effort, attitude, and aggressiveness"

• "Every challenge makes me stronger"

• "I am a predator. This is MY mat"

• "Next play. Right now. Let's go"

📝 EXERCISE: Create Your Power Statements

Write 5 positive self-talk statements you'll use before and during competition:

1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________
3. _________________________________
4. _________________________________
5. _________________________________

Memorize these. Repeat them daily.

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAY

You become what you tell yourself. Negative self-talk creates doubt and weakness. Positive self-talk creates confidence and strength. Choose your words carefully — they shape your reality.

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