Before a big game, event, or test everyone feels flutters of “butterflies” in their stomach. Many people believe that butterflies are signs of nerves or even a symptom of fear. But is that always the case? Can we reframe those feelings so that they are not a negative distraction at a time when we need to be calm and focused? Can’t they be viewed as a positive feeling of excitement and anticipation?
If you really love a sport, or other competitive activity, or are a focused academic student, you should feel fortunate to participate in an activity you are committed to. If you are working hard and enjoying your training, you want to compete or be tested and display your skills in an event.
Feelings of nerves and butterflies may be justified when they come from a place of not being prepared. If you do not train, practice, or study, no doubt you look towards an event with regret and fear because you are ill-prepared. You are afraid because you are disappointed in your preparation and thus fear failure.
As positive as I usually am, I can honestly say that you are justified in fearing an important event if you are not prepared. You should feel nervous. Not being prepared mentally or physically is a strong headwind to success. Not that you are guaranteed to fail, but you will have to either be lucky to succeed or you may still do well but fall well short of your full potential. When you fail under these circumstances, that is your own fault for not being prepared! Being prepared mentally and physically for a game or test is essential for success.
What if you’ve worked your butt off and are physically and mentally prepared but you still have that uneasy feeling in your stomach? Is that still nerves? Is that bad? NO!
You have done everything you can to prepare for that day, both physically and mentally. You have used all your available resources, including all available time, to prepare. If that is the case, honestly from there the result is going to be what the result is going to be.
Have you done your best to prepare? Yes. Have you executed to the best of your ability? Yes. Can you control what you can’t control, including your opponent’s effort and skill or the referee’s, judge’s, or the teacher’s mood on the day of the event or test? NO!!
Because of your commitment to full preparation and focus for the event, honestly from there what happens will happen. The outcome is out of your control. You have controlled your effort in preparation ahead and during the event. You have done everything necessary you possibly can to succeed.
At that point, you should be excited to show off everything that you have practiced for that game or event. If you still feel something in your stomach, those ARE NOT NERVES. That feeling is EXCITEMENT! That is what you tell your brain! Those are not negative nerves BUT INSTEAD elated excitement that you are about to compete!
Most people can’t tell the difference between nervousness and excitement. But you are not most people. Tell yourself that the feelings in your stomach are excited butterflies confidently displaying their full colors and beauty.
When you convert that uneasy feeling of nervous fear to one of excited anticipation, you will feel well-prepared, confident, and excited to perform. I am not going to advise you to release those butterflies because they are GOOD and will give you the adrenaline and focus to help you perform at your BEST. Embrace that feeling and succeed!