How Mental State Affects an Athlete's Performance on Game Day

Abstract

Game day transcends physical preparation; it's a psychological challenge where focus and inspiration make the difference between winning and losing. Elite athletes must overcome multiple mental obstacles to perform at their peak. On one hand, external pressure, stemming from statistics, betting predictions, and the "favorite" or "underdog" label, can undermine confidence or generate overconfidence. On the other hand, digital noise plays a role, as criticism and opinions on social media are toxic distractions that disrupt emotional state. Internal conflicts, such as personal problems and harsh self-criticism, also disrupt focus. To protect themselves, the solution lies in establishing strict routines, such as disconnecting from social media (as exemplified by LeBron James) or meditating (as exemplified by Novak Djokovic), allowing the athlete to block out the noise and focus solely on what they can control on the court.