Athlete's Litany
By Rich Strauss

Directions: Repeat the litany when you wake up in the morning, before practice and competitions, before you go to sleep at night, or whenever you have doubts or lose confidence in yourself. Remember to say the litany out loud like you mean it. Also, personalize the litany by adding positive statements that are important to you.

I LOVE SPORTS.

I AM COMMITTED TO BECOMING THE BEST ATHLETE I CAN BE.

I THINK AND TALK POSITIVELY.

I GIVE 100% FOCUS AND INTENSITY WHEN I PRACTICE AND COMPETE.

IF I FOCUS ON PERFORMING MY BEST RATHER THAN ON WINNING OR LOSING, I WILL SUCCEED.

I STRIVE TO PERFORM MY BEST WHEN THE PRESSURE IS ON.

I TRY MY HARDEST REGARDLESS OF WHETHER I AM AHEAD OR BEHIND.

IF I GIVE MY BEST EFFORT, I AM A WINNER.

Jim Taylor, Ph.D.