Everyone faces a fear at some point in their training, and it’s totally fair to feel this. Fear is our body’s safety mechanism. We have fear as a “double check” to make sure we are ready for what we are about to do. Sometimes that “double check” is needed because we aren’t ready! But when we are ready, that fear is unnecessary, and it’s a hinderance.
Here are 4 things I’ve learned in my training that help my overcome unnecessary fear.
#1. Write down your fear
Writing down your fear is a great way to get outside of your head. In this way you can see clearly what scares you and what can be done to overcome it. Be articulate and explain exactly what you think is causing those feelings, and in doing so you may find that the fear is actually necessary and there’s something you haven’t thought of yet. But if not, then you may be ready to attempt the move. By writing out your fears you are forced to articulate and organize your thinking, and this may help clear your mind.
There’s something I’ve learned in my time doing Parkour: there is almost always someone I know who can already do what is just at the edge of my capabilities.
#2. Practice the fundamentals
Every movement that is causing you fear has movements within it that you are perfectly confident with. So if you are scared to do something, go back to the fundamentals. For example, if you want to do a front flip you need to first be able to do a good front roll, a dive roll, and maybe even a front hand spring. By drilling smaller movements that make up a more difficult move, you’ll gain confidence in the more difficult move that you are trying to do.
#3. Connect with people who can do what you’re trying to do
There’s something I’ve learned in my time doing Parkour: there is almost always someone I know who can already do what is just at the edge of my capabilities. That means they’ve already been where I am, and they have already conquered it. Connect with these people and talk to them! And if you don’t have anyone in your area, find someone online. Often, another athlete can help you break through by giving you insight, ideas, and encouragement. Having a spotter can be super helpful too, both psychologically and physically, so having someone there with you can also be the difference maker.
Every movement that is causing you fear has movements within it that you are perfectly confident with.
#4. Commit to it
Fear ultimately comes from focusing on things outside of the task at hand. So when you know for sure that you are ready, focus intently on that move and only that! Don’t focus on what can go wrong – that’s where the fear is coming from! Focus on what’s in front of you, then commit, and do it.
I hope these ideas have helped you in some way. Happy training.
