Why Doesn’t Self-Talk Work for Some Athletes?

tonylsilvio
Aug 3
2 min read

By Tony Silvio – Midas Mindset | Athlete Mindset Coaching

Ever repeated a phrase to yourself mid-game — and felt absolutely nothing change?

You’re not alone. Many athletes try self-talk and walk away thinking, “That doesn’t work for me.”

But here’s the truth: it’s not that self-talk doesn’t work. It’s that most athletes haven’t been shown how to make it stick.

Let’s break down why self-talk sometimes falls flat — and how to flip the script so it actually builds confidence and consistency when it matters most.

1. You Don’t Believe the Words Yet

Imagine telling yourself “I’m unstoppable” when deep down you’re convinced you’ll choke under pressure. Your brain calls your bluff.

Case in point: When Ash Barty first stepped into the global spotlight, she admitted struggling with belief. She didn’t start with bold affirmations. Instead, she used grounded lines like, “I’ve done the work. I’m ready for this moment.” The words matched her reality — and that’s why they worked.

👉 Shift it: Start with believable phrases. Confidence grows from truth, not wishful thinking.

2. You Only Use It on Game Day

Think about it — you wouldn’t do strength training once a month and expect results. Yet many athletes only practise self-talk under pressure.

Example: Novak Djokovic openly shares that his mental routines happen daily — not just before a match. That consistency makes his mindset rock-solid when the stakes rise.

👉 Shift it: Build self-talk into training, warm-ups, even everyday tasks. The more reps, the stronger the script.

3. Your Script Is Too Vague

Saying “Just stay calm” in the middle of chaos is like telling a drowning swimmer to “just float.” The brain needs specifics.

Look at Michael Jordan. His legendary line — “I’ve failed over and over again, and that is why I succeed.” — wasn’t fluffy. It reminded him that failure was part of his success system, not a reason to panic.

👉 Shift it: Use clear, actionable lines:

“Breathe in, reset, lock eyes on the ball.”
“Focus on this play, not the scoreboard.”

4. You Haven’t Practised Recovery Scripts

Most athletes rehearse panic without realising it. Under pressure, the old loop kicks in — “Don’t mess up, don’t mess up…”

Elite athletes flip the loop. They rehearse recovery. Serena Williams has been heard on court repeating calm cues to herself after mistakes. That’s not random — it’s trained.

👉 Shift it: Write down one recovery phrase today. Use it every time you slip up, so your brain learns to bounce back instead of spiral.

The Takeaway

Self-talk isn’t broken. It’s a skill.

If it hasn’t worked for you, it’s not because you’re “not the type” — it’s because your script hasn’t been built yet.

Remember: mindset matters. With the right phrases, enough reps, and a focus on recovery, you can rewire the voice in your head to become your greatest teammate.