How you see yourself as a bowler has a huge influence on your performance. While most bowlers try to view their games in a positive light, sometimes the way we describe ourselves can be limiting and we don’t even know it.

How do you describe yourself as a bowler? For example, do you describe yourself as a grinder? While this term is often viewed as a positive, indicating mental toughness, it can also hold you back. By definition, grinders don’t get many long strings of strikes, so maybe you struggle to strike enough because that’s not a fit with how you view your game.

Think of three words that describe yourself as a bowler, and then consider both the positive and potential negative impacts that they might have on your game. By being aware of some of these self-limiting implications, we can shift our thinking to match who we want to be out on the lanes.