A new study suggests that re-framing nervous energy energy into excitement can actually improve performance. I’ve been one to try and calm myself before stressful events, but this research suggests that the opposite may actually be more beneficial.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-12-anxiety-calm.html
“people should try to focus on the potential opportunities. It really does pay to be positive, and people should say they are excited. Even if they don’t believe it”
My old coach (Tampa Gracie) used to always put positive thoughts in my head prior to competition, but I always tried to block the stress of the event out of my mind rather than absorbing it into excitement. I did notice that no matter how much relaxation I attempted I always felt incredibly on edge. Maybe I was setting myself back all along.
Precision MMA