5 Ways To CRUSH Someone’s Confidence (Do This INSTEAD)
This infographic was designed specifically for parents because I hate it when I accidentally crush my own kids’ confidence.ย
But, below is good advice if you’re a coach as well.
Unfortunately, if you are a Lex Luther type of person who just wants to kill someone’s confidence, then do some work on yourself.ย
I clearly remember my senior year of baseball when I made an error at shortstop. It was a hard-hit ground ball that simply jumped and hit me in the chest and I didn’t make the play.
I wasn’t that upset about it because it was a bad hop. But, when I got back to the dugout and coach called everyone together, he verbally challenged me if I could even play that position.
“Um, yes sir.”ย
Ouch!
Now, I was never a great hitter, but I worked tons on fielding and felt I was a great short-stop. But that feedback from the coach, in front of everyone, made me question everything and wonder if I really could play that position. I deliver keynotes about it today!ย
- Call out someone in front of their peers, that’ll crush someone’s confidence.
That experience and feedback stayed with me and frankly, I played like crap the entire year at shortstop.ย
I don’t blame coach, I just didn’t have the mental toughness tools. I didn’t know how to bounce-back and not let that outside stuff bother me. ย I didn’t know how to properly let go of mistakes.
It sucked and I wish I could go back and give that high-school kid some advice.ย
It is easier to crush someone’s confidence than it is to build it up.
Confidence is contagious…
Perhaps this infographic can help.
Here’s the five ways:
1. ONLY tell them what they did WRONG.ย |
2. ASK, “are you nervous?”ย |
3. Tell them, ” It’s all mental.”ย |
4. Talk openly about other players, coaches, rankings, and winning.ย |
5. Blame the coaches!ย |
Please Check out all the books and the mental toughness podcast - 15 Minutes of Mental Toughness as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment. New blog posts are published weekly.ย
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. His company DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes and is based in Indianapolis. Some clients have included three winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.ย