Mental Training - 15 Tips On How To Be Mentally Prepared Before A Game

The big game is near. You really want to give your best and win the game. It doesn't matter what kind of sport you are playing, whether it's soccer, chess, tennis, swimming, marathon, polo or volleyball, you need a special kind of training: mental training. Being mentally prepared before a game could mean that you already have a huge advantage over your opponent. I've gathered 15 of the best tips on how to be mentally prepared before a game. I hope they will help you win the game!

1. Are you thinking at the game?

You've probably heard or seen people that did a bad game because they just took the game too seriously. They just put so much concentration into the game, before it even started, that when it actually did start they were mentally exhausted and had a bad performance.

Don't give this game more attention than it actually deserves. I'm not saying, don't train or don't think about it. I'm only saying, take it easy, relax, train but also disconnect yourself from the game, take a walk, go out with some friends and forget about the game. Don't talk too much about it.

2. Having fun?

Think about a way or more ways that you could make this game a fun one (and if it's already fun, turn it into an even funnier one). Remember that it's only a game, no matter what the prize and stakes may be, and games are supposed to be fun.

If you can make the game fun, you will probably win it. And if you don't win it, you will still feel great about yourself. After you found ways of making the game a fun one, don't forget to actually do that when you are playing.

3. What are you seeing?

Before you start the game, you must what the outcome will be. You must know how the game will finish. How can you do that? By visualizing the end. Visualize that you have won the game.

Close your eyes and see yourself winning. See and feel the joy of winning. If this game has a prize, imagine holding it and touching it, feel that prize like it is real. Visualizing is not enough for you to actually win the game, but it helps a lot.

4. Are you saying this?

What are you saying about this game? Are you telling yourself that you will lose for sure or are you confident and only talking about winning? Your subconscious mind is like a loyal servant of yours: he will do anything to make your wishes reality. So, be careful what you tell him to do. If you tell yourself that you are going to lose the game and repeat it enough times, your subconscious will do all that is possible to "help" you lose.

Do you want to lose? If you don't, then tell yourself positive affirmations like: "I am sure I am going to win!" or even better "I won this game! what a great win for me!" Can you see the difference between the two affirmations? One is a hope of winning and the other is a certitude of it. Use the second and repeat it 10-30 times in a row for 3-5 times a day, the more the better. Repeating this will make you stronger and stronger for the game, and if you also prepare well for it, you will win. Just talking about it doesn't assure victory, you also have to prepare.

5. Who are you talking to?

Talk only to positive people. People that you know will support and lift your spirit. Don't go to people that seem to be more negative than positive. If you talk to a person, frequently or for a long period of time, you will begin to act, think and talk just like that person.

So, the question here is: how do you want to talk, think and act? Do you want to feel good about yourself and win the game or have you decided to lose? It's up to you. If you want to win, stay away from negative people and talk to the ones that boost your level of confidence.

6. Who is your opponent?

What do you know about your opponent? What are his strengths? And more importantly, what seems to be his weakness(es)? How can you use this weakness to your advantage? Who beat him in the past and how did that happen? Study your opponent and you will be one step closer to winning the game, maybe even 2 steps.

7. Who can help?

Search for people that are playing or have played the same game and ask them for some tips and tricks. If they aren't that willing to help you, try to find something to give them in return for their knowledge. This knowledge could mean a great lot than what you are willing to give in return.

8. Is your opponent that strong?

How strong is your opponent? Can you find someone even stronger than him? If you can, then ask him/her to play a game or two with you. If you can beat him who is better than the one you will be playing soon, than that will be a piece of cake. If you can't beat him/her than ask for some pointers, ask the winner to tell you were your weakness lies. This way you will learn more about yourself and you will be better prepared for the game.

9. Are you scared of this game?

If this game seems tough and scary for you, than you could find something even scarier to try. Yes, you heard me right. Do something a lot scarier and you will see the game as something real easy after that.

10. What's the worst that can happen?

Ask yourself that question and try to find solutions to what could happen. What if you play soccer and your team receives a goal. What can your team and you do then? Think of all the things that could happen in this game and be prepared to react to that. This way, almost nothing can take you by surprise and you will be more confident with winning the game.

11. What do your friends say?

Ask your friends to be honest and tell you what they think you should improve. If you can't find someone to play against before the game, your friends could help you improve the way you play. You never know what they might notice.

12. How can you get more confidence fast?

If the game is very important, you can try going to a professional and try a hypnosis to boost your confidence. I don't recommend this because I wouldn't do it, but if it's absolutely necessary and you want to try it, then you can do this.

13. What are you listening to?

Listen to a motivational audio tape before the game, so that you start it feeling energized. You can listen to this prior to the game, for many times, but be sure to listen to it just before the game also. This will help.

Also, you can make a collection of motivating songs and listen to them before the game. Songs like: "Eye of the tiger" "Stand up for the champions" and others that motivate you.

14. What are you watching?

You can also watch a motivating show or movie that will give you a good mood. There are plenty of movies that make you feel like you could fly. Use them to your own advantage. Maybe a "Rocky" or "The Lord Of The Rings" or anything else that motivates you.

15. Why do you want to win?

This is probably the most important question you should ask yourself before the game. "Why do you want to win this game?" Is it for fame? Money? The prize? You must have a clear, strong reason for wanting to win. This reason can help you win, if it's a strong emotional reason/ If you are playing to win the money so that you can buy a new house, you will be more motivated to win. So, find you reason(s) and use them to motivate yourself to win this game.

Was this too much for you? If you don't remember anything else from this list, remember this:

1. Have fun
2. Visualize yourself winning
3. Play for someone else

Thanks for reading and I hope this will help you win the game!

I embrace you,
Razvan Dobre

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