Techniques Used:
Brain Gym -
I used brain gym to help create rapport by mirroring John’s movements during the workout, while also helping him set a specific goal
The Focus Awareness Technique -
I relaxed John down and focused his mind
The Power of Suggestion -
I used the power of suggestion to help John imagine himself achieving his goals. This technique is used to create a positive mental image of the desired outcome, which in turn helps to build confidence and belief in one's abilities.
The power of suggestion is where the phrase "I put a spell on you" comes from. The word "spell" actually comes from the Old English word "spellian," which means to talk or speak
This highlights the fact that words are incredibly powerful and can have a significant impact on our thoughts, feelings, and actions
Just as a magician can use spells to influence their audience, sports performers and athletes can use the power of suggestion to enhance their performance. By choosing their words carefully and using positive language, they can create a mindset that empowers them to achieve their goals and perform at their best
“Words and magic were in the beginning one and the same thing, and even today words retain much of their magical power.”
― Sigmund Freud, Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis
Metaphors For Confidence And Motivation -
Metaphors are powerful indirect suggestions because they engage the listener's imagination and tap into their subconscious mind, making them more receptive to new ideas or perspective
The Metaphor of William Tell
I used the metaphor of William Tell, a legendary archer known for his accuracy and focus, to inspire John to improve his skills. This metaphor encouraged John to visualize his shots hitting the target accurately and consistently.
Reframing -
I helped John reframe his negative thoughts and beliefs about his abilities and his performance. For example, he believed that he did not have the talent to become a successful shooter and that his anxiety was a sign of this. I helped him see that these beliefs were holding him back and that he had the power to change them.
We worked together to identify his strengths as a shooter, such as his focus and dedication to practice and used these strengths to build his confidence and challenge his negative beliefs about his talent. By reframing his negative self-talk, John was able to shift his mindset and approach his shooting with a more positive and confident attitude.
EFT Tapping -
I introduced John to the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a form of acupressure that involves tapping on specific points on the body while focusing on negative emotions or beliefs. I guided Mike through a tapping sequence to help him reduce his stress and anxiety and to release any negative emotions or beliefs that were holding him back.
Visualization -
I used visualization techniques to help John imagine himself shooting with confidence and accuracy. We visualized different scenarios and used positive affirmations to reinforce his ability to shoot well under pressure.
Goal Setting -
I helped John set specific, achievable goals for his shooting performance. We focused on short-term and long-term goals, as well as the steps he needed to take to achieve them.
Triggers -
I created an anchor by asking John to remember a time when he felt particularly confident and focused during a game. I asked him to visualize that moment and associate those positive feelings with a physical gesture (e.g., touching his thumb to his index finger). I then used this anchor to help him access those positive feelings whenever he needed them.
Results:
Over the course of our sessions, John made significant progress in his shooting and his inner mind game. He reported feeling more confident and focused during games and was able to maintain his concentration even when he was under pressure. His coach also noticed an improvement in his shooting accuracy and consistency and attributed it to the mental training he had received.
John went on to become a more reliable and confident shooter, and his teammates relied on him in high-pressure situations. Using these techniques, I helped him reframe negative beliefs, set achievable goals, and anchor positive emotions, which enabled him to overcome his self-doubt and reach his potential on the basketball court.
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