You can’t think about what you don’t want to think about without thinking about it. Think about it; better yet, don’t think about it, and you’ll get my point.
If your clients are more focused on what they don’t want, instead of what they do want, they will most likely be getting just that – exactly what they don’t want.
The Athlete who is constantly focusing on ‘not losing’ will typically lose more than the athlete who consistently focuses on ‘always winning’.
Unconscious minds are designed to move you toward whatever you are focusing on. So, what are you focusing on? What are your clients focusing on? This concept is critical in creating hypnotic suggestions for your clients. Imagine how ineffective it would be if you were to say the following to your client:
“Notice how you don’t even think about losing any more. The fear you once had in being defeated is no longer a constant thought process. You no longer dwell on the pain and shame you feel when you lose. You no longer obsess over what people will think about you if you lose. You no longer obsess over how your self-esteem will be crushed with every defeat. You don’t want to lose, you won’t lose, and you’re not a total loser.”
That would probably be one of the most destructive suggestions you could offer a competitive athlete. Instead, you might want to focus on the positive. Such as:
“Notice how the only thoughts in your mind seemed to be filled with victory. The confidence you now have is fueling your mind with empowering thoughts of winning, performing with greatness, and competing with spirit. You now are focused on the tremendous feelings inside you will feel when you win. Knowing that endorphins are instrumental in providing a healthy immune system you realize that the more you focus on the feelings of victory, the healthier you will actually be. And the healthier you are, the higher the probability you have of a victory.” (Notice how the suggestions associate winning to preservation or health of the body.)
In both examples above, the mind will move the client to what they are focusing on. Which one do you think would be more appropriate? The terms used in hypnosis for these types of suggestions are called positive suggestions and negative suggestions. It’s important also to realize that positive and negative suggestions don’t necessarily indicate the suggestions are ‘good’ or ‘bad’. They simply are defined as positive or negative by having you focus on the intended outcome or the opposite of the intended outcome, respectively.
Now What?
Become a Certified Sports Psychology Coach. Sport psychology is the scientific study of people and their behaviors in sports and the practical application of that knowledge. Sports Psychology Coaches have endless opportunities to work with athletes ranging from beginning to professional and all points in between. Some coaches build businesses working with youth athletes. Others specialize in sports such as triathlon. Other coaches work with teams in the college and pro ranks. There are no limits to what is possible for your career.
Spencer Institute coaching programs are open to anyone with a desire to learn and help others. There are no prerequisites.
That’s it for now.
Take action!
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