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Fear Itself

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Sep 27, 2009
by: Rosie
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 I hate it when nerves get in my way. Either in a test or race or basketball game, they can make me question my own ability to do well. But I'm sure I'm not the only one. In some extreme cases, athletes will get physically ill because they are nervous before a big game. This can be so incredibly frustrating because when all is said and done I will look back on the event and think, "I could've done better, played better, ran harder, done more." Which brings me to the question: do nerves really prevent us from reaching our greatest potential?

 

"Today I want to offer some tips to help deal with nervousness. Notice that I didn't say "overcome" nervousness? That is because I believe that there is nothing that will make you instantly calm while speaking in public except of course, for horse tranquilizers. The secret to achieving true calm, without drugs, is in practice. So I'd like to share some tips that will make you appear calm while you are working at expanding your comfort zone. First of all, the very best way to deal with nervousness is to practice... And try to put the whole thing into perceptive. What's there to be afraid of anyway? Does the state of world peace hang on the result of this one presentation? Are small children going die as a result? Will it even be something that you remember in five years time?"
Tips for Dealing with Nervousness

 
 So this does make something as simple as a basketball game look unimportant, but I want to do well and don't want something like nerves to prevent me from performing. So, then I wonder if I'm just letting my own nerves get the better of me. Am I afraid to fail? Probably. Because nerves and adrenaline also give us that boost of energy right before a game to make us excited to get on the court or the field. This energy could either hold us back or make is so that we're not afraid to try and make a big play. Even pros don't do everything right. At some point, we're all going to make a mistake. Hopefully, it won't be a mistake that will change the outcome of a game or affect your chances of getting into your dream school, but live and learn. If it is you just got to pick yourself up and keep going, and hopefully learn from your past mistakes you made, whether they were the result of nerves or not. But if you're like me and you think your nerves got the better of you it's time for a confidence boost. We need to find a method that turns these nerves into adrenaline and excitement. To channel this energy and expand your comfort zone. That's when you'll improve and grow as an athlete, student, and person. Because like FDR said "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself."