Self-talk is the mind’s internal dialogue. It can be either positive or negative, and it can either be a fantastic mental tool or a burden of self-defeating chatter.
In addition to the benefits of trying to talk to yourself in a generally positive way, bowlers can refine their self-talk with a few important details, and by using self-talk purposefully in their routines:
- Incorporate personal statements into your pre-shot routine; these can be meaningful quotes or your own positive affirmations.
- When using positive affirmations, speak to yourself in the first person: for example, say “I can do this” rather than “You can do this.”
- When trying to cut off negative thoughts, use the third-person perspective as a distancing technique by using your name: for example, say “Okay, John…just take a breath.”