Feeling nervous for Europeans? You’re not alone. Competing at a big stage can definitely make you feel some pressure, from small butterflies to big waves of anxiety. While there’s no magic trick to make the nerves disappear, here are some tips to ease your mind and help you stay focused.
This is temporary
Competition anxiety can make you feel like there’s no end to it. However tough it feels, it’s important to remember that this won’t last forever. The match time is a set amount of minutes, and no matter what happens, those minutes will pass anyway. Might as well make the most out of it, right?
The world doesn’t stop and you will be fine
Following that, competing can make you feel like you’re about to step into this big scary thing. And in a way, it is. But at the end of the day, you get to go home, sleep in your own bed again and the world will still be exactly the same.
You don’t have to win, just do your best
It sounds so simple, but it’s so true. As much as you strive to win, this is not fully in your control. In fact, aiming for an outcome you can’t fully control creates unnecessary pressure. It also takes away your focus from where it should be: on the mat, zoned into your match. Stop trying to get your best result and focus on giving your best effort. You’ll be surprised to see where that takes you.
Love these words…not only for competing in Jiu-jitsu, also for the challenges in everyday life such as your job. 🖤
Thank you Jenny, glad it resonates! 🙂