being able to receive and integrate feedback is like toasting a marshmallow

Discover why athletes struggle to reset after mistakes, how overthinking affects performance, and practical strategies to refocus your attention when it matters most.

Most discussions about self-talk frame it as a dichotomy between being positive or negative. Although this can be a helpful distinction, it's actually more nuanced than simply being an optimist or pessimist. Another way to conceptualize self-talk is as directing your attention either toward the action you want to perform (an efficient use of brain power) or toward the outcome you hope to avoid (an unnecessary expenditure of mental energy).

Learn how third-person self-talk can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and help athletes stay focused and perform under pressure.