What you say to yourself does matter, according to a series of research studies described in a recent article.  Not only does self-talk work, but it also helps when you talk to yourself out loud and in the 3rd person (e.g., “Come on, Jim!).

I encourage the athletes I work with to use self-talk to build motivation and confidence (e.g., “You can do this!), increase or decrease their intensity (e.g., “Settle down” or “Fire up!”), and to improve their focus (“Attack!”).

Positive self-talk also ensures that you’re your best ally rather than your worst enemy when training and competing.

Try it