There is nothing more painful than hearing words that cut into your confidence. Maybe someone told you that you will never get that skill, or that you are not good enough, or that you are holding the team back. Even if you try to ignore it, those comments can sit in your mind and make you question yourself again and again.

In this week’s episode of the PerformHappy Podcast, I want to help you and your gymnast handle those moments. Bullies can show up as teammates, as coaches, or even as the little voice inside your own head. And sometimes the inner bully is the hardest one to deal with because you cannot walk away from your own thoughts.

Here is the good news. You do not have to let those voices decide who you are or what you are capable of. Professor Jaime Hamilton, a communication expert, shared a strategy that I love. Instead of arguing with a bully, you interrupt them with something completely unexpected. Imagine a teammate makes a mean comment and instead of shrinking or snapping back, you calmly say “pineapple pancakes” or “sparkly cinnamon roll” and then walk away. The bully is left with nothing to feed on, and the power of their words disappears.

You can use this same trick with your inner bully. When that voice starts saying “I always mess up” or “I will never be good at this,” stop it in its tracks. Say your silly phrase out loud or in your head. Give yourself a little smile. Then replace the negative thought with something kinder like “I am learning” or “I am getting stronger every day.” This small shift makes a big difference because it trains your brain to stop beating you up and start lifting you up.

Here is the truth. Confidence does not grow from criticism. It grows when you respond with kindness, when you choose not to give power to negative voices, and when you practice believing in yourself a little more each day.

In this episode, I share:

• The way hurtful words can crush confidence
• Why the inner bully can be louder than anyone else
• How Professor Jaime Hamilton’s technique interrupts bullying
• How you can reset negative thoughts and build yourself back up

“If someone talked to you the way you talk to yourself, would they be your friend?” – Rebecca Smith

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur

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