How Your Self-Talk Shapes Performance
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Did you know the way you talk to yourself can actually influence how you perform? Research shows that third-person self-talk, AKA referring to yourself by name, can help athletes regulate emotions, stay focused, and perform at their best. In one study, Kross et al. (2014) found that distancing yourself from immediate emotions through third-person language reduces stress and improves decision-making. Moser et al. (2017) confirmed this with brain imaging, showing that this simple shift can help you manage emotions effectively without adding extra cognitive load.
At SPORTéA, we’ve woven these insights directly into our brand. Our bold names, empowering phrases, and positive affirmations aren’t just stylish; they’re mental tools designed to remind every girl in sport that she’s strong, capable, and unstoppable. When you see “You got this” or other empowering messages on your gear, it’s more than decoration; it’s a prompt to step into your power and focus on the game, the court, or the field.
We believe that confidence isn’t just about skill, it’s about mindset. The way you frame your inner dialogue can shape your performance, influence your resilience, and fuel your motivation. SPORTéA’s designs are crafted to reinforce these science-backed strategies, helping girls in sport build mental strength as they pursue their goals.
Key Takeaways
- Using third-person self-talk creates psychological distance, helping you manage stress and make better decisions under pressure.
- Positive affirmations can serve as a mental boost, reminding you of your strength, focus, and capabilities.
- Mindset matters just as much as skill; how you think about yourself affects how you perform.
By combining science-backed strategies with intentional design, SPORTéA gives girls in sport not only confidence in their style but also confidence in themselves. Next time you suit up, remember: your words matter, your mindset matters, and the way you do it matters.
If you're still not convinced, watch this short video of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo using third person to temper his nerves before a penalty kick.
References
Kross, E., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., Park, J., Burson, A., Dougherty, A., Shablack, H., ... & Ayduk, Ö. (2014). Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: How you do it matters. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 106(2), 304–324.
Moser, J. S., Dougherty, A., Mattson, W. I., Katz, B., Moran, T. P., Guevarra, D., ... & Kross, E. (2017). Third-person self-talk facilitates emotion regulation without engaging cognitive control: Converging evidence from ERP and fMRI. Scientific Reports, 7, 4519.
