With discipline comes confidence. How can someone else tell you what you are capable of when you have achieved everything you put your mind to? When there are no doubts about what you could have done differently that week? Other opinions become largely meaningless… based on far less evidence than you have at your own disposal.
In a responsive environment that rewards performance, such as the one in Football, expected outcomes can depend heavily on confidence in one’s own ability against that of the challenge faced. If a challenge is perceived as too great, the ability to perform at usual levels drops off greatly. This can be caused by perception of the opposition, but equally opinions of coaches, teammates and fans.
It is one one reason to explain why highly talented players can still suffer from imposter syndrome and a lack of self-esteem, which in turn results in lessened performance or drop-offs around high pressure or more difficult situations. “Cold streaks” and “choking” are also directly related to this idea around where confidence results from. It is instinctual for us to be held back by the fear of reputation damage, but this most often causes greater issues than if one were to retain self-belief.
On an individual level, having the confidence to step into uncomfortable situations is crucial. Players that do this open themselves up to more opportunities and can equally escape negative scenarios. With this comes self-made luck and an increase in the probability of success.
It is a matter of building discipline and setting ambitious targets. These push players out of their comfort zone — so that it is no longer a dream but also a future probability. Discipline ensures they take the necessary steps — even in discomfort — so that they achieve their end goal. Discipline takes the place of motivation when times are tough or when threatened.
Then, with discipline comes confidence. After all, how can someone else tell you what you are capable of when you have achieved everything you put your mind to? When there are no doubts about what you could have done differently, you can have strength in your convictions. You know who you are, not what you are told.
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