Strong Voice/Weak Voice: We Have a Choice

“When the student is ready the teacher will appear”

Recently, I was in pursuit of a theme/message to share with our team. The idea of positive self-talk appeared in multiple ways.  Here are three short examples:
Example 1: Novak Djokovic after his French Open victory over Rafael Nadal“There’s always two voices inside: There is one telling you that you can’t do it, that it’s done, it’s finished. That voice was pretty strong after the second set,” Djokovic said. So I felt that that was a time for me to actually vocalize the other voice and try to suppress the first one that was saying I can’t make it. I told myself I can do it. Encouraged myself. I strongly started to repeat that inside of my mind, tried to live it with my entire being.”
As fans, we often see legends as super human. Djokovic’s vulnerability showed us even the best have moments of doubt.

Example 2: Sue Enquist on the 1% Better PodcastCoach Enquist won 11 (that’s right, 11) national championships at UCLA. During the interview, Sue discussed the pressure her teams faced. If they didn’t win the national championship the outside world viewed them as failures. In this interview, Sue articulates how we all have two voices: strong voice (I think I can) and weak voice (I’m not worthy). Before we perform, it’s critical the last instructions, however, come from strong voice. (Note: This entire episode is incredible for anyone who has young athletes. The voice rift begins around the 46 minute mark).

Example 3: Jon Gordon on the Reinvention ProjectJon Gordon reaffirmed and expanded upon the idea of self-talk. Gordon says he’s learned to “talk to myself instead of listen to myself.” When working with professional athletes he reminds them that they don’t choose their negative thoughts; instead, these thoughts are part of being human. This frees the athlete from shaming themselves for experiencing weak thoughts. Gordon says we all should, “Speak truth and walk in the power and confidence.”

Action StepThis week, join me in accepting that we possess both a strong and a weak voice. First, let’s stop demeaning ourselves for having negative thoughts. Elite performers experience limiting thoughts and beliefs as well. Second, let’s choose to empower the strong voice. It’s important to remember before we execute the last voice must be powerful and confident. 

To put this into practice, be mindful during exercise where voices are often active. Pay attention to weak voice whispering, “this is awful. I should stop now.” Choose to confront those lies by replacing it with strong voice, “I’m a beast. Keep pushing. I got this.” 

Final Thought:

In the upcoming month, I have a few exciting but challenging opportunities. To be honest, I still struggle with imposter syndrome; I question whether I belong in certain spaces. I thought as I became older, these thoughts would diminish. They haven’t. I still get nervous and have moments of doubt. 

You are not alone if you experience shyness, nervousness, or fear. These emotions are natural. It’s ok. 

I refuse to let my weak voice rob me of opportunities. Repeat after me:

I’ve earned this.

I belong.

I add value.

I am worthy.

Mike
Below is a video following game one of our regional tournament. Listen to our sophomore pitcher describe how he leaned into his strong voice during a jam. (Go to the 3:30 mark)