Focus Friday: 3 Keys to Confidence

Welcome to Focus Friday from Mental Flex! Whether you’re gearing up for a tournament, match, or showdown this weekend, we’ve got the mental strategies and competitive edge you need to crush it.

Confidence Isn't Magic—It's Built

Confidence isn’t some mysterious gift that just shows up on game day—it’s a skill, one you can train and sharpen like any other. Whether you're stepping into a high-stakes game or facing everyday challenges, your mindset is the foundation. And the best part? There are controllable keys to building it.

If you want a rock-solid mindset, it starts with dialing in on three things you have full control over—every single time you compete.

1️⃣ Body Language

Your body speaks before you do, so make it say, “I’m built for this.” Picture an MMA fighter walking into the cage: shoulders back, chest up, eyes locked in. That physical posture isn’t just for show—it sends a message to opponents, teammates, and most importantly, yourself.

Confidence is felt in the body first. Even on days when you're not feeling 100%, practice carrying yourself like you're at your peak. Ask yourself: What is my body language saying right now? Stand tall, move with purpose, and own the space you’re in.

2️⃣ Focus

Your mind is your most powerful tool, so direct it wisely. The moment you start worrying about things you can’t control (the refs, the weather, the competition), you’re giving away your power.

Instead, lock in on what is in your control: your effort, your attitude, your execution. Before every game or pressure moment, ask: What can I control right now? That simple shift cuts through distractions and gives you the mental clarity to perform at your best.

3️⃣ Self-Talk

How you talk to yourself matters—especially when the pressure's on. One pro-level trick? Use your name in the third person. “Ashley, you’ve got this. You’ve trained for this. Let’s go.”

This technique helps separate emotion from action, giving you a coach’s voice in your own head. Research backs it: Third-person self-talk leads to better regulation and performance. When doubt creeps in, flip the script. Be your own coach, not your biggest critic..

Let's take a look at three ways to train your confidence!

🚀 Breakthrough: How to Train It Every Day

• ✅ Start each practice or game with intention: Take 60 seconds to check your body language, reset your focus, and lock in your self-talk.
• 🧠 Journal your mindset post-game: What went well in your focus, posture, and self-talk? What needs work?
• 🔁 Build routines around these 3 keys: Pre-game playlist to energize your body language, focus cues in your locker, and sticky notes with empowering phrases in third person.

Confidence is not a mystery—it’s a choice. And when you train these controllable keys consistently, you’ll feel the shift not just in your performance, but in how you carry yourself on and off the field.

- Trevor Conner, Founder and CEO of Hearts & Minds

Want to up your mental game? Book a free 1:1 call with Trevor, our founder, below!