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Attacking Fear
It wasn’t the opponent that troubled Sarah; it was the familiar knot of fear that had taken residence in the pit of her stomach. She’d been here before, facing highly ranked opponents, and fear had caused her to choke.
As she prepared to return serve, Sarah’s mind raced with doubt. What if I make a mistake and lose this point? What if I disappoint my coach and myself? The fear of failure consumed her like it always had.
At that moment, Sarah realized that this fear, this internal adversary, was holding her back from winning another match. With this habit of running from fear, Sarah played two sloppy points, gifting away another winnable match.
This chapter is not just Sarah’s story; it’s a glimpse into the minds of countless tennis players who have stood so close to victory only to be pulled back by the invisible chains of fear.
1.1 The Nature of Fear
Fear is a powerful force that manifests in many forms under stress. It might be the fear of making mistakes and facing the consequences, the fear of losing and the disappointment it brings, or the fear of letting down those who believe in us. These fears are not unique to Sarah; they’re part of the human experience. But fear is the catalyst for growth, a signal that you’re on the brink of something extraordinary. It all depends on how you choose to respond to it.
1.2 Attacking Fear Head On
The first step in conquering fear is acknowledging its presence. Sarah learned that by recognizing her fear, she could begin to understand and control it. It was time to attack fear head-on and confront it with the same intensity that she approached in her physical training.
1.3 Expose Yourself
The more you give in to fear by thinking you can hide or run from it, the larger it looms. Fear sees every learning opportunity and every minor problem as a threat. When most detect fear, they avoid it. A champion’s job is to attack it. Reframe the consequence of fear. If you’re feeling fear, it means you’re about to do something special.
1.4 Fear Is Part of The Game
Fear is a part of the game, but it doesn’t have to be a defining factor in your competitive persona. It’s time to confront your fears, rewrite your narrative, and unleash your tennis potential. If your rivals can do it, so can you.
1.5 Reframing Fear
Think about relabeling fear as excitement. You will likely attract positive results if you’re excited about a new situation. Ask yourself: “What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?” And “What if everything goes right?”
“The bold athletes feel afraid but choose to attack that fear.”