We started talking about the Wheel of Excellence a few weeks ago, and we mentioned the first two sections, commitment and focused connection.

The third piece of our Wheel of Excellence is one of my favorites. I believe that with this piece you can accomplish a LOT more than you ever will without it.This is probably the most important one...

CONFIDENCE.

It's the trust and belief in your own potential. Notice that doesn't say your ability, it says your POTENTIAL...

It grows when you commit yourself to do the preparation or quality work, and finding what focus works best for you and then regularly calling upon that focus.

One of the most important thing to do is remember that someone believes in you, and you should always act as if you can do it, no matter what it is or whether or not you have ever done it before. With that kind of confidence, you will start to believe in yourself, and when you do that, amazing things happen.

The only way to win the confidence game is to streghthen your mental skills. Confidence is like a master key, it opens the door to higher levels of excellence, and higher levels of excellence open the door to greater confidence.

Go into any game or activity with the belief that you CAN, and talk to yourself in a positive way with EVERY thought. 1% doubt and you're out! As soon as you hear yourself saying something negative, change it to a positive thought instead. Never use the word can't.

And above all, TRUST yourself. You are learning your sport, practicing and working hard... you are worthy of confidence. YOU CAN DO IT!

--Coach Jen