Self confidence is a super power. Once you start believing in yourself, magic starts happening.”Confidence plays a huge role in all aspects of cheerleading. I have always believed that cheerleading is 25% physical and 75% mental. Here are some tips I have to help you stay confident.
PRACTICE BEFORE PRACTICE
As many of you know, I have been battling a mental block for about two years and still am today. Just like in everyday life, we have good and bad practices as cheerleaders. It is so easy for me to get in my head after just one skill goes wrong. One of the things my coach tells me is that you physically cannot forget how to do a skill in a day or even a week. The first time is always the hardest, get it out of the way and you will be fine! One thing that helps me is coming in early to throw a few passes before practice. This gives me time to warm myself up slowly and get my nerves out.
STOP COMPARING
One of the top tips I can give you is to stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone learns at a different pace. It is easy to get discouraged when you see your teammates working on a harder skill than you. You have to remember that a team is like a puzzle. Everyone has different strengths and brings something special to the team!
STAY POSITIVE
Positivity is key! I am my biggest critic in everything I do. This can be a little bit of a problem when it comes to cheer. Not every skill you throw is going to be perfect and that is ok. Part of the learning process as an athlete is making mistakes. You cannot let the fear of failure hold you back. Take a deep breath inhale confidence, exhale doubt and go for it! Chances are you don’t give yourself enough credit, the only one holding you back is you.
Ever since I became a CHEERFIT ambassador, the support from Danielle and my CHEERFIT family has been endless! Connecting with athletes that are going through the same thing that I am has been so helpful to me. Just knowing that you are not alone on this journey and that other cheerleaders have experienced the same thing and come out stronger is so amazing! One of the biggest lessons I have learned through my years of cheerleading is that confidence fuels dreams. Once you believe in yourself and your skills, anything is possible!
Ready to make this season the best, most confident yet? Join us and become part of the CHEERFIT Family!
BELLE FABIAN
I am sixteen years old and live in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am going on my seventh year as a competitive cheerleader and cheer at Cheer Extreme Charlotte.