You Need Some Confidence..

Every athlete hears that inner voice during games and training. The real question is—what is it saying?

Because whether you’re aware of it or not, your self-talk is shaping your performance.

It can help you stay poised and focused. Or it can drag you down and keep you stuck in mistakes.

That’s where positive self-talk comes in. And it’s not fluff—it’s a skill you can train.

Why Self-Talk Matters More Than You Think

The way you speak to yourself directly impacts:

• Confidence under pressure

• How fast you recover from mistakes

• Decision-making speed and clarity

• Overall mindset and energy

Athletes who use clear, intentional self-talk are more composed, more focused, and more consistent when the pressure’s on.

They don’t let emotions take over—they use language to reset and refocus.¹

Examples of Effective Self-Talk

Confidence Builders

“I’ve got this.”

“I belong here.”

“I’ve trained for this moment.”

Instructional Cues

“Quick feet.”

“Track the puck.”

“Stick on the ice.”

“Stay square.”

The best self-talk is short, direct, and purposeful—designed to bring your attention to the next moment, not the last one.

How to Build the Habit

1. Start Noticing It

   First, become aware of your inner voice—especially in tough moments. What’s your default? Is it helpful or harmful?

2. Replace Negativity, Don’t Just Fight It

   Don’t just say “stop thinking that.” Replace it with a phrase that re-centers your focus.

3. Use It in Practice, Not Just Games

   Training is your testing ground. Attach self-talk to specific drills or moments—use it consistently until it becomes automatic.

4. Keep It Short and Repeatable

   Your brain doesn’t need a speech. It needs a reset. A few words, repeated with intention, make a big impact.

Why This Translates to Real Performance

No one plays a perfect game. Everyone makes mistakes.

But the athletes who bounce back fastest?

They’ve trained their inner voice to move forward, not backward.

Positive self-talk is the fastest way to stop spiraling, reset your attention, and take control of the moment in front of you.

Key Takeaways

• Your self-talk is shaping how you perform—train it with the same intent as your body

• Confidence isn’t built from perfection—it’s built from how you respond

• Simple, purposeful phrases during training and games can reframe pressure and mistakes

• What you say to yourself matters—make it count

Train the Mind Like You Train the Body

Inside EGM Labs, there is an entire section on Mental Training.

Curated by experts, actual mental coaches and mental health professionals.

Download the app, and get your mind right today.

Dr. Jamie

Ghost Rehab and Performance | Elite Goalie Method

References

1. Hatzigeorgiadis A, Zourbanos N, Galanis E, Theodorakis Y. Self-talk and sports performance: A meta-analysis. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2011;6(4):348–356.

2. Hardy J, Oliver E, Tod D. A framework for the study and application of self-talk in sport. Sport Psychol. 2009;23(1):82–97.

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