Impactful Things to say to your Athlete.

As a mental performance coach, I have seen firsthand the impact that words and phrases can have on an athlete’s mindset and performance. Encouraging and motivating statements can help build mental toughness and a winning attitude. Here are ten impactful things to say to your athlete:

“I love to watch you compete/play.” As a coach or parent, it’s important to show your athlete that you enjoy watching them play. This can boost their confidence and help them feel valued. Letting them know that you love watching them compete can help them approach the game with a positive attitude.

“That’s a great question.” Asking questions is an important part of learning and growth, and when your athlete asks a question, it shows that they are engaged and curious. Acknowledging their question and encouraging them to continue asking can help them feel heard and valued.

“What you did out there today was really brave.” Athletes often face fear and uncertainty when they step onto the field or court. Acknowledging their bravery can help them feel more confident and resilient, and can inspire them to continue pushing themselves to new heights.

“I believe in you.” One of the most powerful things you can say to your athlete is that you believe in them. Letting them know that you have faith in their abilities can give them a sense of confidence and determination, and can help them approach challenges with a positive attitude.

“You have great ideas.” Athletes who are encouraged to think creatively and come up with new strategies are often more successful. Letting your athlete know that you value their ideas can inspire them to keep thinking outside the box, and can help them approach the game with a growth mindset.

“I love being your Dad/Mom.” Showing your athlete that you love and care for them can have a powerful impact on their mental toughness and approach. Letting them know that you enjoy being their parent can help them feel supported and valued, and can give them the confidence they need to succeed.

“Your attitude can change any situation.” Athletes who maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, are often more successful. Reminding your athlete that their attitude can make a difference can help them stay focused and determined, and can inspire them to push through challenges.

“You don’t need permission to be great.” Athletes often hold themselves back out of fear or self-doubt. Letting your athlete know that they don’t need anyone’s permission to be great can give them the confidence they need to push themselves to new heights, and can help them approach the game with a winning attitude.

“Not everyone will like you, and that’s ok.” Athletes, like everyone else, want to be liked and accepted. However, it’s important to remind them that not everyone will like them, and that’s ok. This can help them focus on their own goals and priorities instead of worrying about pleasing others, and can help them approach the game with a healthy mindset.

“Your effort was amazing today.” Finally, it’s important to acknowledge your athlete’s hard work and effort. Letting them know that you appreciate their dedication can inspire them to continue pushing themselves to be their best, and can help them approach the game with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

As a mental performance coach, I have seen the power that words and phrases can have on an athlete’s mindset and performance. By using these ten impactful statements, you can help build mental toughness and a winning attitude in your athlete, and can inspire them to reach their full potential.

Riley Jensen is currently the Lead Mental Peformance Coach for Real Salt Lake, a mental performance coach for Utah State University Athletics, a mental performance coach for Westminster College, and the mental performance coach for Weber State University Athletics. He is also the mental performance coach for various professional Ski Teams, the Utah Jazz Ticket Sales organization, and LGCY Power. He is available for corporate, team, and individual sessions. You can find more information about Riley at www.rjpg.net. You can find him on Twitter: @rileyjensen, Instagram:@rjperformancegroup, and Facebook: RJ Performance Group. You can also listen to his podcast here: Riley Jensen, Mindset Matters Podcast