Are You Nervous Or Excited?

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When Shohei Ohtani was asked if he was nervous, he answered like all of the great ones! He replied, “I’m excited!”

So, what is the difference? Because it impacts our performance if we keep getting it wrong!

• Over-thinking

• Shaking in the hands or legs

• Upset stomach (puke)

• Clammy hands

• Have to use the bathroom

• Tension

• Irritable

• General unease or doubt

The difference between being nervous and excited isn’t in how we feel. Physically, the feelings are exactly the same whether we are nervous or excited.

Challenge or Threat?

The difference between being nervous or excited is how we perceive the situation.

If we view our performance as a challenge, an opportunity, something good can happen and I WANT to be in the situation, then we will be excited!

If we view the situation as a threat, an obstacle, something bad can happen, and I DON’T WANT to be in the situation, then we will be nervous! The correct attitude often takes mental training!

Confidence in our abilities

When we are in any situation with an outcome, there will be feelings that differ from the norm. The two factors depend upon 1) our attitude of wanting the challenge and 2) our confidence to be successful.

If we doubt our skills and don’t trust our training, then at the most important moments, nervousness can quickly overtake us. This also takes training and assessment of our abilities in the moment!