Confidence comes more easily when games are going in your favor. The real test of confidence comes during or after a setback.
Athletes know the feeling of a missed opportunity, a critical mistake, or falling short of a goal. These moments can cause doubts, not just in performance, but in identity. Thoughts may start to creep in, such as, “Maybe I’m not good enough,” or “Have I lost the skill I once had?”. These thoughts have the ability to remove the athlete from the zone.
Confidence isn’t a fixed trait that an athlete either has or doesn’t have. Confidence can be developed over time, and often, a person’s confidence can grow the most from challenging moments.
Confidence develops through experiences that remind athletes they can keep going, even when the outcome isn’t what they hoped for. When effort is acknowledged and one’s inner voice remains, confidence can grow. Confidence is also developed in the moments when athletes show up, push through doubt, and prove to themselves they can do it. Choosing to stay committed, even after disappointment, is what strengthens confidence most.
Recovering after a setback isn’t about pretending the frustration or disappointment isn’t there. Recovery is about recognizing the feelings you have and still choosing to move forward.
When confidence survives a tough moment, the nature of that confidence changes as it is no longer tied to perfection. Instead, it becomes rooted in reflection. Being able to recognize what went wrong, learn from it, bounce back, and keep going is crucial for confidence-building. Intrinsic or internally rooted confidence is more stable because it focuses on growth, not just success.
Setbacks don’t take away an athlete’s progress; instead, they create opportunities to deepen self-trust and improve an athlete’s craft. Belief doesn’t mean having all the answers; belief means choosing to keep going, even when the path isn’t clear.
Confidence doesn’t magically appear overnight. Confidence is the direct result of an athlete’s continual decision to sacrifice their time and energy, continually choosing to show up each day, even if things don’t go as planned. Setbacks don’t take confidence away; they are where the confidence starts.