Where is your Confidence Level right now? Look at your calendar. How many weeks until the Outdoor Conference meet? Some might say, “Well, I won’t know my confidence level until I compete in a meet or two. No. Confidence starts now. Confidence is the difference between stepping onto the track, the runway or into the ring with hesitation or fear and stepping in with boldness. In Division 1 athletics, your talent and training are crucial, but confidence is what allows you to rise to the occasion. Train your Confidence! Don’t approach your workouts waiting to see how it goes. Make it happen!
True confidence doesn’t come from just your ability—it comes from knowing who you are in Christ. God has given you gifts, a purpose, and the strength to carry it out. If you’re struggling with self-doubt or want to take your confidence to the next level, here are five keys to help you compete with boldness.
1. Trust Your Training (and God’s Plan for You)
Confidence starts with preparation. Every sprint, every rep in the weight room, every recovery session—it all adds up. Put in the work now, so that you can trust in that work when the moment comes. But even more than trusting in your training, trust in God’s plan for you. He has placed you in this position for a reason.
Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
God didn’t bring you this far to leave you now. Trust that your preparation—physically and spiritually—has equipped you for this time.
2. Master Your Mindset (Take Every Thought Captive)
Confidence is not just about physical ability; it’s about mental strength. Negative thoughts are the enemy of peak performance. Instead of dwelling on fear and doubt, focus on what God says about you.
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
When negative thoughts creep in, replace them with His truth:
• “What if I fail?” → “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
• “I don’t know if I’m ready.” → “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” (Psalm 28:7)
• “I’m nervous.” → “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Your words and thoughts shape your reality. Choose confidence in Christ.
3. Develop a Pre-Competetion Routine (Prepare Your Spirit as Well as Your Body)
Elite athletes don’t leave confidence to chance—they create it. Developing a pre-competition routine will help you step onto the track or into the ring with a clear mind and a strong spirit.
What’s the strategy for a faith-filled pre-competition routine?
- Prayer – Surrender this time to God and ask for strength. (Psalm 18:32)
- Scripture Meditation – Recite a verse that calms your nerves and builds your confidence. (Isaiah 40:31)
- Affirmations – Speak God’s truth over yourself (e.g., “I am strong, I am chosen, I am prepared.”)
- Deep Breathing – Remind yourself that God is in control. Know that His Spirit breathes in you.
Jesus often withdrew to pray before big moments (Luke 5:16). If He needed to prepare spiritually, so do we.
4. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
Many athletes lose confidence because they’re too focused on results—winning, setting records, or outperforming others. But God calls us to focus on doing our best for Him, not for human approval.
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Instead of stressing about the outcome, focus on executing each part of your event with excellence—your start, your form, your drive, your finish. When you shift your focus to honoring God through your performance, confidence naturally follows.
5. Embrace Failure as Fuel (God Uses Setbacks for Your Good)
Even the best athletes in the world don’t win every time. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of letting failure shake your confidence, let it build you. You may feel like your hope has blown up and lies in ruin around you in splintered pieces of wood. Hey! That is kindling for the fire that will fuel your next competition.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Ask yourself:
• What did I learn from this race?
• How can I grow stronger from this?
• How is God shaping me through this experience?
Great athletes don’t let failure define them—they use it as a stepping stone to greater things. Trust that God is working even in your losses.
Confidence isn’t about arrogance or self-reliance—it’s about faith, preparation, and trusting that God is with you. Trust your training, take control of your mindset, develop a pre-competetion routine, focus on execution, and embrace challenges as part of God’s plan for your growth.
When you step onto that track or into the ring, you’re not just competing for yourself—you’re competing for the One who gave you the gift. So run boldly. Throw with faith. Jump with confidence.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
I pray that God will honor your hard work and dedication! Be confident and strong in Him.
Larry
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