Mantras For Athletes
Jay P. Granat, Ph.D.
Founder, StayInTheZone.com
A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase that is believed to have special spiritual power and is often repeated to
aid meditation or prayer.
A mantra can also be used as a trigger for athletes who want to get into the zone more often.
In working with athletes from around the world in virtually every sport you can think,
I spend a lot of time helping them to identify a mantra that feels right and allows them to perform to their fullest potential.
The right mantra and build confidence, focus, relaxation and improved concentration.
The right phrase or word can eliminate or reduce negative thinking and self doubt.
The right mantra can also disrupt negative self- talk.
Sometimes, I repeat a mantra while the athlete is in a hypnotic trance.
Some athletes like to combine a mantra with a song or melody enhances their mood and their performance.
In other instances, I have them repeat their mantra to themselves. Some people like to talk to themselves
in a kind and gentle manner. Others like a more direct and energized tone for their mantra.
Different sports require different mental gears and different energy levels. That is, sprinter is likely to need
a different mantra than does a marathon runner.
A baseball player needs a different kind of mantra than does a boxer.
If you or your youngster is involved in competetive sports and would like to avoid choking under pressure,
experiment with different words and phrases and determine what works best for you. Here are a few examples of mantras
that athletes and I have developed to help them to perform to their fullest potential when the pressure is on.
For a baseball player: See it, hit it.
For a basketball player: The most important shot is my next shot.
For a long distance runner: With every step I take, I get stronger and faster.
For a hockey goalie: I breathe in the present and exhale and let go of the past or the future.
For an MMA Fighter: I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. (Used by Muhammad Ali)
For a sprinter: I am shot out of a canon.
Last, you may want to change mantras periodically as these words or phrases can sometimes lose their effectiveness over time.
If you want to talk to Dr. Granat, he can be reached at info@stayinthezone.com or at 201 647-9191.