Handling Defeat in Competitions
In playing a sport, it is normal to lose once in a while despite all those long and hard practice sessions. However, an unexpected loss can psychologically affect athletes. It can lead to negative feelings such as anxiety, stress, frustration, disappointment, or self-doubt. If you are an athlete who has a hard time coping with a defeat, take heed of these strategies to maintain a positive attitude so you would continue to be motivated in doing your best.
First, realise that you or your team are only human and you are not immune to making mistakes. Even the greatest athletes sometimes have to deal with losses. However, do not view loss as an indication of incompetence. Instead, use it as a lesson. Learn from the loss and make it an opportunity for you and your group to improve on your collective performance.
Next, know that what happens in sports is unpredictable and uncontrollable. Thus, identify and focus on what is controllable; that is, your skills and your preparation. In fact, in a recent study, athletes who consider their effort and performance as primary contributors to an outcome usually do better than those who blame the outcome on luck or external factors such as distractions or a noisy audience.
Next, strive to improve your techniques rather than beating your opponent. For instance, focus on improving your accuracy in basketball or your speed in swimming rather than winning the competition. End outcomes are very unpredictable and entirely focusing on them can distract you or frustrate you if things do not go as you planned. Finally, if you cannot get over your depression over a loss, talk to a professional. Cognitive behavioural therapists and other specialists are available to help you cope with your feelings.