The Top 10 Negative Self-Talk Barriers Leading to Performance Plateaus—and How to Overcome Them

1. Lack of Awareness

Barrier: Young athletes may not recognize when they’re engaging in negative self-talk.

A young athlete’s lack of awareness can take many forms. In the simplest sense, making the unknown known can be beneficial. This lack of awareness can prevent the young performer from reaching their Ideal Performance State. Without awareness, a young athlete will never feel poise under pressure...

Solution: Encouraging mindfulness and self-reflection practices...

2. Fear of Failure

Barrier: Fear of making mistakes will lead to a cycle of negative self-talk.

Young athletes face immense pressure and fears when performing...

Solution: Encourage a growth mindset...

3. Pressure from Coaches and Parents

Barrier: High expectations from authority figures can contribute to self-doubt.

Pressure from parents or coaches can significantly contribute to negative self-talk...

Solution: Athletes at all levels experience pressure...

4. Comparison with Peers

Barrier: Constantly comparing themselves to others can diminish self-esteem.

When young athletes compare themselves to others who are more successful...

Solution: Encourage a growth mindset and personal improvement...

5. Past Experience

Barrier: Negative experiences in the past can reinforce negative self-talk.

The past doesn’t equal the future. When I ask any young athlete, “Would you like to be more confident?”...

Solution: Encourage acknowledgment without judgment and rehearse positive performance patterns...

6. Perfectionism

Barrier: Striving for perfection often results in harsh self-criticism.

Perfectionism and negative self-talk go hand in hand...

Solution: Reframe mistakes as growth opportunities and emphasize effort over perfection...

7. Lack of Support

Barrier: Without a good support system, it is difficult to overcome negative self-talk.

The lack of a quality support system can have a significant and often detrimental effect...

Solution: Build strong support networks and mentorship relationships...

8. Anxiety and Stress

Barrier: High levels of anxiety and stress will exacerbate negative thoughts.

It’s important to understand how anxiety and stress can significantly impact young athletes...

Solution: Use mindfulness, visualization, and affirmation tools...

9. Low Self-Esteem

Barrier: A general lack of confidence can make it difficult to maintain a positive mindset.

Low self-esteem has a significant impact on confidence and the ability to perform under pressure...

Solution: Use affirmations, achievable goals, and rituals to build confidence...

10. Unrealistic Expectations

Barrier: Setting goals that are too high or unrealistic can lead to disappointment, frustration, and negative self-talk.

Unrealistic expectations can create immense pressure...

Solution: Help athletes set SMART goals and reframe success and failure...