79: Overcoming Fear of Failure & Developing Confidence

Female Athlete Nutrition

In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast, I talk with Girl Athlete Mindset Mentor Paige Tonz. Paige shares her introduction to sport through softball, leading her to play competitively at the Division 1 level. After struggling to perform in college, Paige explains how a major mindset shift freeing herself from expectations led to a breakthrough senior year. This change in mindset involved focusing on having fun rather than fearing failure. Peak performance can still be achieved with an attitude of fun, and we discuss how you can be successful while still enjoying yourself when you prioritize fun!

Paige and I discuss mental strategies for sustainable success, alongside common traps we fall into that can hurt performance and mental health: perfectionism, expectation, fear of failure, focusing exclusively on winning and the end-result, negative self-talk, comparison and a lack of confidence. We talk about how to redefine failure as a learning experience rather than one to be feared, as well as ways of developing confidence and self-esteem as female athletes.

This episode also touches on the impact of social media on self-confidence and comparison. We recommend taking social media breaks, the importance of giving yourself grace, and leaning in on a close circle of friends and family in-person.

Paige uses her own personal athletic experience -navigating pressures and expectations, perfectionism, anxiety and fear of failure, low self-esteem and more- to guide young girls in group and individual settings. Paige explains how the group coaching she does allows girls to realize that they’re not alone in their thoughts and feelings, and how it teaches them tools for changing their mindsets and managing negative self-talk. This group work parallels our Female Athlete System of Transformation (FAST track program), tackling sports psychology as opposed to nutrition.

Like a muscle, changing mindsets take consistent work and effort, but no matter your age or experience, you can make the change! Paige emphasizes how confidence can be created and developed through practice and specific tools, rather than being a fixed trait some people do or don’t have. We discuss the important part parents play in helping young athletes develop positive mindsets, although it may take an outside professional like Paige to get through to them! Parents, don’t take offense: this is totally normal!

Find Paige and check out her website https://www.paigetonz.com/

Follow Paige on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube @paigetonz

Paige’s Official Bio:

Paige Tonz grew up in Peoria, AZ and began playing softball at 8 years old. She has competed at many levels; starting with rec ball, moving to club ball, and competing as a D1 athlete at Northwestern University. Her mission and goal is to help transform girls into strong women beyond the playing field or court. Paige has worked with 1000+ athletes in her programs and workshops. She believe girls have so much opportunity to dream bigger than they ever imagined. Because sports was and still is such a big part of Paige's life, she has had a first row ticket to see how the experiences from sports can be a vessel to success in life on and off the field.

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