Self-talk, continued

You can psyche yourself up, or you can tear yourself down. It's a simple choice.

First, let's be honest: if you haven't done the work, there's no point in saying to yourself, "You'll be great! You're so awesome, you really didn't need to practice," because you'd just be lying to yourself. In your heart of hearts, you'll know it's not true.

On the flip side, if you've practiced, if you've really taken the time to prepare, you know you're ready. So why waste your energy telling yourself you won't do well? Here's where tearing yourself down or comparing yourself to someone else or predicting (usually falsely) what someone else will think is a huge waste of your spirit.

So if you're ready, and you have something coming up (a recital, a biology exam, a marathon), remind yourself of that readiness. Repeat to yourself in a calming voice, "I've done the work. I'm ready. I've worked hard to prepare. Now is just the time to reveal my hard work."

It's really that simple. It may not be easy, but it's simple. So get out of your own way!