How can we challenge our own self-handicapping?

Writing about motivation in elite youth athletes, Larry Lauer, PhD, of the Michigan Youth Sports Institute, describes several strategies for addressing self-handicapping. With self-awareness being an important first step, Lauer’s strategies are adapted here for the university setting:

• Use the right kind of self-talk: Avoid comparing yourself too much to the “competition,” negatively or positively. In university, an overconfident “I’m so much smarter than everyone else” is just as likely as a negative “dumbest in the class” thought to derail your optimal exam performance. Focus on what you can do.
• Know how your mind races: Many athletes and students describe how their minds race when they think about an exam or race, often worrying about the “what if” scenarios or what could be. Make lists of the things you can control and those you can’t. Then think about what you can do to enhance the things you do control – you’ll never be able to control the others, only prepare for them as best you can.
• Develop and Rehearse “proxy thoughts” to keep it real: Negative thoughts can cause your exam stress to skyrocket and impede your ability to focus. Develop alternative positive (and realistic) messages to replace the negative ones – I am prepared, focused, etc.
• Use rhythm and routines to your advantage: not having a predictable routine makes focusing on exams all the more difficult. Find a routine that works for you, and stick to it!

Check out Lauer’s complete article here: http://www.podiumsportsjournal.com/2011/08/25/overcoming-a-tough-competitor-self-handicapping/.