Confidence is a choice. The process of becoming a more complete player in any sport starts by choosing to build confidence and then figuring out ways to maintain it. There are two voices ready to speak to athletes. One is negative; the other, positive. Each person chooses the voice to which he or she will listen.

Work-in-Progress
IF you choose the positive voice and the attitude that comes with it, the process to stay positive can still be a day-to-day decision that has to survive up-and-down circumstances. Successful players build strong inner confidence by concentrating on their contributing to success or failure. Rather than blaming someone or something else (a sign of insecurity) they take responsibility and see setbacks as part of a learning curve, not a disaster that could damage confidence. Confidence is observable. Use the checklist below to see how many markers of confidence you display to others.

• Having a "can-do" attitude
• Displaying good body language
• Enjoying competition
• Not blaming others
• Staying calm and collected
• Concentrating in practice and competition
• Not trying to impress others
• Accepting one's strengths and weaknesses

Building Confidence
Each athlete has to learn what works for him or her, but there are common denominators in the confidence-building-process. The first is to build on experience. The more an athlete is in a game situation, the more he / she knows what to expect. Some sports psychologists and coaches think we have raised a generation of "practice players." They look great and perform well in practice, but not so well under the pressure of real competition. The second building block is a commitment to preparation. Everybody has the will to win on game day, but not everyone has the will to prepare to win. Out-training competitors is a sure way to go into a game, match or event thinking you already have an advantage. Confidence comes from success and success is more likely if you go out there knowing you have done everything possible for situations that might bring pressure. The lack of preparation can cause stress, and stress is the absence of confidence in being able to handle every situation.

See the big picture. Don't get bent out of shape if one part of your game doesn't go well. If you focus on one isolated component of your game you can obscure the fact that you may be doing well in every other aspect. At the same time, record and reward (at least mentally) every small success, Achieving small goals gets you ready to take on the big ones. Reject negative self-talk. Confidence is reflected by what we say to ourselves. Negative self-talk is often accompanied by poor performance. And while you're at it, surround yourself with a positive support group. Find friends, teammates, and family members who motivate you positively to pursue excellence without sugar-coating the truth.