Which one are you ?
Dispositional Optimism in athletes is the natural tendency to lean towards positive outcomes regardless of the current situation.
Dispositional Pessimism is the tendency to do the opposite and slide into a negative mindset.
If you tend to be more of a pessimist, glass half empty kind of person, don’t worry we can change that ! Scientific studies show us the use of mental imagery and practicing seeing positive outcomes (before they occur) can help someone become more optimistic ( Blackwell et al, 2013).
This is because optimists tend to have more of an internal point of reference and are less concerned with external influences. Pessimists are heavily impacted by external factors and may look to blame or redirect accountability to someone else.
In sport where multiple variables come in to play & where the athlete can have little control and has to adapt accordingly, the use of imagery to recreate scenarios in advance, isn’t just for the purpose of preparation but it is to enhance cognitive abilities for improved optimism.
Survival in elite sport is the ability to roll with punches.
Daydreaming is an easy solution to do this. Give it a try!
Coach B