When I do mental training with high-performance athletes, it often strikes me how some of the main strategies we employ can be used in the practice of our Catholic life. These tools are used to bring about peak performance in the student, and for us Catholics, they can help us grow deeper in our love of Jesus, in our ability to live in the presence of God all day, in everything we do. 

Here are a few of these strategies.

Take pleasure in the pressure

Many athletes who have tremendous technical ability cannot perform well in competition because they are often overwhelmed by the significance of the occasion. It is important for them to understand how incredibly blessed they are to be able to play at this level, a level that most athletes never reach. They should perform with gratitude and joy for this opportunity.

Similarly, we all are the Church, and we must strive to be saints. We have a responsibility to bring souls to Jesus through our actions and, at times, our words. This may seem very challenging, as we anticipate that we may suffer rejection at times, just like the athlete may lose games.

The best approach is to take pleasure in being called to do this, since God has chosen you. The Creator has called you to be on his team. Moreover, he promises that the Holy Spirit will be with you every step of the way. Enjoy the process of serving the Lord.

Dealing with losses helps us improve

I like to suggest that there are three stages needed to overcome adversity and defeat in sports:

  • Acknowledge the error or setback.
  • Be a problem solver.
  • Look for redemption and bounce back.

Humbly admitting that you had a poor performance is very important, but we must not get stuck in this stage. Similarly, when we have sinned, it is vital that we call it what it is: a sin. 

At times, against our conscience, we deny that we have done anything sinful so that we can feel better about ourselves in the short term. We must not do this, as we will never grow in love of God. Our Lord is overjoyed to know that you understand the natural law that he has planted in your heart, and in humility you have admitted that you broke his law.

Solving this problem in tennis is usually done with the help of the coach, by reviewing videos, or by discussing the match. As Catholics, we should go to confession and speak to our spiritual director. God is overjoyed at seeing one of his children go to confession and trust in his infinite mercy: one of the greatest gifts of all.

The third stage should see the athlete come out with enthusiasm and a hunger to improve, looking forward to a bounce-back game. In our faith, we should leave the confessional with great enthusiasm to do better. It has been shown in studies that, after errors or losses, the very top athletes use positive words like, “I messed that one up, but I am going to make the next one.” Go to confession and then get back in the game with confidence and determination.

Use cue words

In competition, coaches teach their students to use productive, process-related words repeatedly to execute a skill under pressure (e.g., feet/move, rotate, extend) as opposed to negative words (don’t miss, I can’t do this). In our daily activities, try saying beautiful aspirations to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or Our Lady (“My Lord and My God,” or “Stay by my side, Our Lady,” or “Come, Holy Spirit,” or “Thy will be done, my Lord”).

Keep focused with micro goals

Often when performing, especially when winning, athletes start to get distracted and too relaxed, losing their focus on what is important to their success. As a result, they let the opponent back in the game. 

When ahead, recognize what is working and repeat it with some short-term goals in the next few plays or points. As Catholics, we must similarly be aware that the devil never stops trying to ensnare us in sin. Often, when things are going well in our life, we get too comfortable. Don’t give Satan an opening. It is crucial that we never take our eyes off the prize, Jesus. Constantly try to repeat what works, which is prayer and the sacraments.

Your voice matters! Join the conversation by submitting a Letter to the Editor here.