Building Confidence Through Positive Identity Statements

Confidence is one of the most critical mental skills an athlete can develop. Every competitor, at some point, will struggle with confidence, and that’s completely normal. The key is to actively build and reinforce confidence through intentional mental habits. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using positive identity statements—affirmations that shape how we see ourselves and what we believe we are capable of achieving.

Why Your Self-Talk Matters

The thoughts we repeat to ourselves shape the way we perform. Research shows that by adulthood, most people have been told "no" over 150,000 times, which helps explain why nearly 70% of our thoughts are negative. These negative thoughts create neural pathways in our brain, reinforcing doubt and fear.

But just as our brain can form negative thought patterns, it can also be rewired to create positive ones. The way to do this? Intentional positive self-talk. By repeating statements that affirm our abilities, we send new signals to the brain, strengthening positive neural connections that boost confidence and performance.

The Power of “I Am” and “I Can” Statements

"I am" and "I can" statements serve as blueprints for confidence. They help athletes lock into a high-performance mindset by reinforcing self-belief and focus in key moments.

For example, a swimmer might say:

• “I am a great swimmer. I am fast in the water.”

• “I am a strong dolphin kicker. I can outkick anyone off the wall.”

Each time they repeat these statements, they train their brain to believe it—which in turn boosts their performance.

Amy Bockerstette: The Power of “I Got This”

One of the most powerful real-life examples of positive identity statements comes from Amy Bockerstette, a golfer with Down syndrome who gained national attention at the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open.

During a practice round, Amy faced a difficult bunker shot. Instead of doubting herself or allowing nerves to creep in, she confidently said out loud:"I got this!"

With complete composure, she executed the shot beautifully, sinking the putt in front of pro golfer Gary Woodland. Reflecting on the moment, Woodland later said:

"I've been blessed to do a lot of cool things on the golf course, but that is by far the coolest thing I've ever experienced."

Amy’s story illustrates the power of affirming your abilities in real-time. Her belief in herself translated into action, proving that confidence is a skill—one that can be practiced and strengthened with intentional self-talk.

How to Use Identity Statements in Your Sport

1. Write down your personal identity statements—tailor them to your position, strengths, and mindset.

2. Repeat them in training and competition—this reinforces your self-belief under pressure.

3. Use them to reset after mistakes—instead of dwelling on errors, use statements like “I am resilient, I can bounce back.”

4. Speak them out loud if needed—verbalizing your identity statements increases their impact.

Practical Applications: For Players, Parents, and Coaches

For Players:

• What to Do: Create at least three "I am" or "I can" statements that reflect your strengths. Repeat them before practices, games, or tough moments.

• What to Avoid: Don’t let negative self-talk take over. Instead of “I’m terrible today” say “I can adjust and improve.”

For Parents:

• What to Do: Reinforce positive identity statements. If your athlete struggles, remind them: “You’ve trained for this. You are strong and capable.”

• What to Avoid: Avoid statements that reinforce doubt like “Don’t be nervous”—instead, say “You are prepared.”

For Coaches:

• What to Do: Teach players to use identity statements and remind them during competition. Encourage “You are a great defender, you can lock in and make a stop.”

• What to Avoid: Don’t reinforce mistakes with “You always do this”—instead, refocus on “You are adaptable and can respond.”

Confidence is a Skill You Can Build

Every time an athlete repeats a positive identity statement, they reinforce the belief that they are capable, strong, and prepared. Whether it’s Amy Bockerstette saying “I got this” before a big shot or a swimmer reminding themselves they are fast in the water, self-talk is a weapon—one that can transform confidence and performance.

This is how you build mental strength.