Quite a lot has happened since my last blog including a couple of interesting and thought provoking conversations around how I manage my nerves and self-pressure in the build-up to Badminton.
You’ll know from my previous blogs and podcast that alongside managing my nerves, I am also a very competitive person, which adds to the stifling feeling of self-pressure.
Some people seem to be able to manage a build up to a big competition or specific goal, at the same time as very publicly, sharing their journey on social media. But it is also a skill that even the pros can struggle with at times.
At the start of the month I had my athletes meeting with my coaches Sarah and James Oakden to plan out the season and gave us the opportunity to chat about how I’m going to manage my nerves and the pressure I will inevitably pile on myself.
One of the benefits of working with the same coaches for so long is that they know me too well and I really trust their judgement when it comes to prepping for a goal or big competition.
My journey with Splash since Blair hasn’t been linear and whilst I am a great believer of sharing the highs and lows we chatted about the value of sharing my journey so publically on the run up to the biggest competition I will have ever done and it gave me some food for thought.
I know that both Splash and I are more than capable of competing at this level but I also know that in order to do my best and help manage both my nerves and my expectations that I needed some off the horse support.
I did some research and I have found myself a fantastic Sports Psychologist that I’m working with. We have spent time chatting about Splash, my goals, my expectation, my nerves and pressures and what areas I could help to lighten the load to allow me to be at my best for Splash and I have decided that this is going to be my last blog before Badminton.
Taking the pressure off
It is so lovely to be able to share the excitement with everyone but at the same time it is already cropping up in lots of conversations. Well meaning, lovely, supportive comments asking ‘how’s the prep going’ or ‘not long to go now’ can at times just add to the pressure I’m already piling on myself.
I promise after it is all over I will write about it and tell everyone how we got on, you may not be able to shut me up!
But for now I’m going to get my head down and quietly work away to make sure my brain gets there in the best possible place.
Whilst I don’t want to let anyone down, for me the real take home of this is knowing that our community is such a safe space that I can be honest with everyone without being judged. It’s funny how on the outside you want to be able to deliver everything to everyone, but sometimes you need to take a step back and refocus which I know you will all understand.
I hope to see loads of you at Badminton after the finish line – when I will be able to really look back, reflect and share this amazing journey I feel very privileged to be on.
Liz x
