Breaking Free from Self-Doubt

In sports, only a small percentage ever reach their full potential, and more often than not, it’s crippling self-doubt that holds them back. Honest reflection is important, but many athletes unknowingly lose a match before it even begins. Professional fighters often defeat themselves before stepping into the ring. It’s a built-in self-preservation mechanism where fear causes them to hold back without even realising it.

I remember this vividly when my coach told me that I wasn’t losing because of a lack of skill—I was losing because of a lack of belief in myself. He was absolutely right. I had been unknowingly getting in my own way, holding back when I needed to push forward. That realisation changed everything for me. I stopped holding myself back, and I started winning everything. It wasn’t because I had suddenly become the best—it was because I finally believed in my ability.

If you struggle with self-doubt, focus on building confidence through preparation. Remind yourself of the work you’ve put in and the skills you’ve developed. Trust your coaches and in your abilities, and know that you’re capable of far more than you think. Once you stop doubting yourself, you’ll exceed your expectations.

Accepting Adversity

In sports, as in life, adversity is inevitable. There will be bad calls, injuries, unfair decisions, bad luck, and disappointing losses. But rather than letting these setbacks defeat you, learn to embrace them as opportunities for growth.

Every challenge you face is a chance to build resilience, to learn, and to improve. In fact, we often learn more when things go wrong than when everything goes perfectly. As Marcus Aurelius wisely said, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

When adversity strikes on the field, don’t allow it to discourage or fluster you. Use it as fuel to get better. Whether it’s a bad call, a tough loss, or a personal mistake, view it as an opportunity to learn and make improvements. Remind yourself that challenges are a necessary part of the process. By embracing adversity, you grow stronger—both mentally and physically. Keep pushing forward, and use every setback as motivation to refine your skills and continue improving.

Practising Gratitude: Stay Grounded

It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of competition and forget how fortunate we are to be able to compete at all. Practising gratitude can be a powerful way to stay grounded and keep things in perspective.

Before every match or competition, take a moment to reflect on the things you’re grateful for—your health, your teammates, the opportunity to compete, and the support of your coaches, teammates, friends and family. This simple practice can help alleviate nerves and remind you that win or lose, you’re fortunate to be doing what you love.

The Stoics believed in the power of gratitude. They taught that we should appreciate the present moment and the opportunities we have, rather than always striving for more. By practising gratitude, you can shift your focus away from the pressure of competition and onto the joy of the game.

Always a Student: The Power of Lifelong Learning

We live in a time where access to knowledge is almost limitless, whether through books, online platforms, or great coaches. Cultivate an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, because the pursuit of learning never truly ends.

To excel in any aspect of life—whether in sports, your career, or personal growth—you need to surround yourself with people who are better than you. This mind set of being a “forever student” has profoundly impacted both my competitions and my personal journey. I always strive to train with those who challenge me and study under coaches or tutors who are more knowledgeable. Surrounding yourself with people who push you to improve is one of the most valuable things you can do.

Additionally, be open to honest feedback. It can be tempting to shy away from criticism, but feedback is a gift. If you’re not receiving feedback, actively ask for it. Approach your coach or trainer and ask, “What can I do to improve?” Even top UFC fighters who have just won world titles go through a detailed review of what went well and what needs improvement. It’s this constant hunger for growth that keeps champions at the top. By embracing constructive feedback and applying it, you accelerate your progress beyond what you thought possible.

Adopt a mind-set of lifelong learning. Surround yourself with individuals who challenge you to be better, and don’t just seek out praise—actively seek feedback and use it as fuel for continuous improvement.