subject: Lost a Game? How to be a More Accepting Sportsperson [print this page] Lost a Game? How to be a More Accepting Sportsperson
Here is the truth: unless it is a draw, which happens rarely, there will be a winner and loser in every game. It is either you belong to the former or the latter. Not everyone, though, is open to the idea of losing. You can see their self-confidence plummet.
Are you one of those who struggle accepting losses? Then these tips are definitely for you:
1. Accept the truth. You already know the truth; you might as well accept it. The faster you do, the easier it is for you to move on and just view everything as a game. You do not really take the losing to heart, but you remember the lessons you have gained out of the experience.
2. Determine the reason for the struggle. There is a possibility that you are born and raised to be an achiever, and losing is something not you are trained of. It is also likely you are seeking recognition, and losing does not give you any. Take a time out and analyze the real cause of the issue. Perhaps it is something deeper than you really think.
3. Talk about it. Call a friend or a family member and describe your feeling about the loss. Make sure, however, that you really do not end up criticizing people but just the experience. Talking about it does pose a big help, as it helps you unload all the negative emotions.
4. Increase your level of self-confidence. When you are confident about yourself, you really do not have to worry about losing. After all, you also know that there is another possibility: winning in the future games. You are also comfortable of your skills, and you can be determined to improve them to ensure you can clinch titles in the future.
5. Visualize. How about doing some form of visualization? Imagine yourself in the game and losing. Then picture yourself out extending your hand to your opponents. Look at your face and see your bright smile.
While you are at these scenarios, you can feed yourself with subliminal messages. Subliminal messages are considered powerful even by experts because they can help change your present thinking. You can use subliminal messages to further motivate you to become a better person. Consider the following:
I am a gracious opponent.
I am open to the idea of winning and losing.
Losing the game does not mean the end of my dreams.
I learn a lot from losing.
Losing makes me a better and stronger person.
6. De-stress yourself. If losing makes you anxious or even depressed, it may mean you have to start de-stressing yourself. Get rid of the negative emotions by talking a walk, breathing in and out, or even going out with your friends and loved ones.
7. Have some support ready. You may want to have a few friends around during games. This way, you can always have a source of support when losing instantly makes you feel down. They can also provide you the extra inspiration you need to do your best in your games.
