Build Confidence from the Inside Out

Every athlete talks to themselves during a game. The question is—what are you saying?

Because whether you realize it or not, the words you use inside your head are shaping your performance on the ice.

That’s where positive self-talk comes in.

It’s not about fake hype or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about creating the kind of internal environment that helps you compete with confidence, stay focused, and bounce back quickly when things go wrong.

Why Positive Self-Talk Works

Research shows that self-talk affects everything from reaction time and precision to confidence and stress regulation.¹ Athletes who use specific, intentional phrases during practice and games show better focus, fewer mental errors, and faster recovery from mistakes.²

It’s not just motivation—it’s a skill. One you can train.

Examples of Performance-Based Self-Talk

During training or competition, try these types of self-directed phrases:

• Confidence builders

  “I’ve got this.”

  “I belong here.”

  “I’ve trained for this moment.”

• Instructional cues

  “Quick feet.”

  “Track the puck.”

  “Stay tall.”

  “Explode through the push.”

These short, purposeful statements help anchor your focus in the moment, especially during high-pressure situations.

How to Practice Positive Self-Talk

1. Recognize negative patterns

   Are you beating yourself up after mistakes or talking down to yourself when things aren’t perfect? Catch it. Call it out.

2. Replace it with better language

   Choose neutral or positive phrases that keep you focused on the next task, not the last error.

3. Use cue words during reps

   Attach self-talk to specific movements or drills:

   Example: During shuffles, repeat “smooth and quick.”

4. Make it automatic

   The more you practice, the more your self-talk becomes a built-in part of your performance routine.

Why This Matters

Every athlete makes mistakes. Every goalie lets in goals. Every player has off days.

The difference between average and elite isn’t perfection—it’s how fast you recover.

And nothing accelerates that recovery like clear, focused, positive self-talk.

Key Takeaways

• Self-talk is happening whether you control it or not

• Positive, performance-focused cues help you stay composed under pressure

• Replacing negative thoughts with clear instructions builds confidence and consistency

• You can train your internal language like any other skill

Dr. Jamie

Ghost Rehab and Performance | Elite Goalie Method

References

1. Hardy J, Hall CR, Hardy L. A note on athletes’ use of self-talk. J Appl Sport Psychol. 2005;17(1): 69–74.

2. Hatzigeorgiadis A, Zourbanos N, Mpoumpaki S, Theodorakis Y. Mechanisms underlying the self-talk–performance relationship: The effects of motivational self-talk on self-confidence and anxiety. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2009;10(1):186–192.

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