Listen to the full episode of the Rooted Sports Psychology Show here.
Confidence is a buzzword in sports and performance psychology. Athletes, coaches, and parents all want to know: How do you get more of it? But as Georgia, host of the Rooted Sports Psychology Show, explains, the pursuit of confidence can be a double-edged sword. Instead, she advocates for a subtle but powerful shift: focus on courage, not confidence.
In this in-depth blog post, we’ll break down the main themes and actionable tips from the episode, offering expert insights and practical strategies to help you or your athletes build a more resilient, stable foundation for peak performance.
The Confidence Trap: Why Chasing Confidence Can Backfire
The Problem with Outcome-Based Confidence
Georgia opens the conversation by highlighting a common pitfall: reactive confidence. Many athletes tie their sense of self-assurance to immediate results—making a great play, scoring early, or nailing the first serve. When things go well, confidence soars. But when the first few moments don’t go as planned, confidence can evaporate, leaving athletes tentative and risk-averse.
Key Risks of Outcome-Based Confidence:
- Fragility: Your mental state is at the mercy of external events.
- Inconsistency: Confidence fluctuates wildly, making performance unpredictable.
- Fear of Failure: Athletes may play it safe to avoid mistakes, stifling growth and creativity.
Expert Insight:
Even elite athletes don’t feel confident all the time. What sets them apart is their ability to keep performing, even when confidence is low.
The Courage Mindset: A More Reliable Path to Growth
Why Courage Matters More Than Confidence
Georgia’s core message is simple but profound: Don’t wait for confidence to act. Instead, act with courage, and confidence will follow.
Courage is the willingness to take action despite fear, discomfort, or uncertainty. It’s about doing what matters, even when you don’t feel ready.
Everyday Examples of Courage Building Confidence
- Making a Phone Call: Remember being nervous to order pizza as a kid? You didn’t feel confident, but you did it anyway. Over time, it got easier.
- Introducing Yourself: The first time you meet someone new, it’s nerve-wracking. But each courageous introduction builds social confidence.
- Approaching a Crush: Many people feel anxious starting a conversation with someone they like. Courage comes first; confidence grows with experience.
Actionable Takeaway:
You don’t need to feel confident to perform well. You need the courage to take the shot, make the call, or step onto the field.
Actionable Strategies to Cultivate Courage (and Let Confidence Follow)
1. Reflect on Past Acts of Courage
Why it works:
Remembering times you acted courageously—even when you were scared—reminds you that you’re capable of facing discomfort and uncertainty.
How to do it:
- List moments in sports or life when you acted despite fear (e.g., trying out for a team, speaking in public, taking a game-winning shot).
- Ask yourself: What helped me push through? Was it focusing on the outcome, support from others, or simply deciding to act?
Expert Tip:
Use these memories as evidence that you can handle discomfort and uncertainty in the future.
2. Shift Your Focus from Confidence to Courage
Why it works:
Chasing confidence can lead to frustration and self-doubt. Focusing on courage puts the emphasis on action, not feelings.
How to do it:
- Before a performance, ask: What’s the courageous thing to do right now?
- Set “courage goals” instead of “confidence goals.” For example, “I will take the shot even if I missed the last one,” or “I will introduce myself to a new teammate.”
Expert Tip:
Remind yourself: Courage is a choice, not a feeling.
3. Use Simple Tools to Take Action
Why it works:
Sometimes, the hardest part is getting started. Simple strategies can help you move from hesitation to action.
How to do it:
- Countdown Method: Count down from 3 and then act (e.g., “3, 2, 1, go!”).
- Support System: Lean on teammates, friends, or coaches for encouragement.
- Visualize the Outcome: Focus on the benefits of taking action, not just the risks.
Expert Tip:
Taking even a small step forward can break the cycle of overthinking and build momentum.
4. Seek Support When Needed
Why it works:
Asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness. It accelerates learning and builds confidence over time.
How to do it:
- If you’re struggling with a skill (like serving in tennis), have the courage to reach out to a coach for a private lesson.
- Share your fears or doubts with a trusted mentor or teammate.
Expert Tip:
The act of seeking support is itself a confidence-building experience.
Building Resilient Confidence: The Long-Term Payoff
By consistently choosing courage, you create a foundation for resilient, stable confidence—the kind that doesn’t crumble after a bad play or a tough day. Over time, courageous actions accumulate, and confidence becomes a byproduct of your willingness to face discomfort and keep moving forward.
Weekly Challenge:
For the next week, don’t chase confidence. Instead, look for opportunities to be courageous. Take action, even when you don’t feel ready. Notice how your confidence grows as a result.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Confidence is not a prerequisite for action—it’s a result of courageous action. By shifting your focus from waiting to feel confident to choosing to be courageous, you’ll build a more robust, reliable foundation for performance and growth.
Want more personalized support?
Visit Georgia’s website or email her directly for one-on-one coaching and resources.
Listen to the full episode of the Rooted Sports Psychology Show here.
Stay tuned for more expert insights and actionable tools to help you elevate your game!