Ep. 84: Into the Unknown: How to Perform Without Certainty

We all want a little certainty before a big performance. A great warmup. A perfect night of sleep. Some sign that everything is going to go according to plan.

The problem is that certainty is never actually available.

In this solocast, I explore how our desire to know what will happen next can create fragile confidence, negative predictions, rigid expectations, and a whole lot of wasted energy. That tension can show up as panic practice, distraction, frustration, self-criticism, or even freezing when it is time to take action.

I also share three steps for building a healthier relationship with the unknown: noticing how uncertainty shows up in your mind and body, learning to hold the tension between wanting something deeply and not knowing if you will get it, and practicing how to direct your energy and attention back toward the task at hand.

The best performers are not certain everything will work out. They have learned how to stay engaged, trust their ability to respond, and perform even when the outcome remains unknown.

Learn more about working with me one-on-one and my new coaching course at drkcoaching.com.


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Ep. 83: Stop Trying to Fix Athletes: Dr. Kate Bennett on Love, Psychological Safety, and Mental Performance