Step 6. Fear

Fear can be the "elephant in the room" or your blindspot. Maybe you avoid it or put it aside and not think about it. Fear is one of the most significant factors that can inhibit performance in wrestling and sports. Whether it’s fear of losing (flibosis), fear of making mistakes, fear of disappointing others, or even fear of getting hurt, these internal doubts can create mental blocks that limit an athlete’s ability to perform freely and confidently. 

Fear triggers hesitation, tightens muscles, disrupts focus, and undermines instinctive reactions—critical components in a high-speed, high-stakes sport like wrestling. When wrestlers operate from a place of fear, they often play it safe, avoid taking necessary risks, or mentally check out during key moments.

The first step to overcoming fear is awareness. We all have fears inside whether you are big, strong, small or weak. You can't be afraid to acknowledge your own fears. I will help you use them to drive you forward!

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By identifying what you're afraid of—whether its failure, judgment, or not meeting expectations—you begin to take power away from those fears. This process of self-discovery opens the door for personal growth. 

Once fears are named and understood, they become manageable. You can then implement strategies such as visualization, controlled breathing, and mindset training to reframe fear into focus. 

Over time, learning to push through discomfort not only builds confidence but also leads to more productive training sessions and improved performance in competition. Facing fear with intention is what separates reactive athletes from those who are truly resilient and successful.

 

Contact Markus at MyWrestlingCoach@gmail.com for more info or to get started!