Words of affirmation: correct the doubt
ou learn to acknowledge the doubts and immediately correct them, refusing to let them control your belief in yourself or your perspective on your own capabilities.
July 13, 2026
One thing that has always really helped me—especially after learning that having doubts is completely normal—is realizing that you can't necessarily ever shut them down entirely. Instead, you have to build the muscle of correcting them. It’s exactly like building your muscles and endurance for wrestling. You learn to acknowledge the doubts and immediately correct them, refusing to let them control your belief in yourself or your perspective on your own capabilities.
This is where words of affirmation come in. By definition, words of affirmation are positive, proactive statements used to challenge negative thoughts, uplift your mindset, and validate your self-worth.
Practicing words of affirmation is the tool that truly strengthened my mindset. It’s about speaking the things that are true to block out the things that are not. Sometimes it feels like we are just trying to cover up what we fear is true, but in reality, that fear is just a lie talking. Affirmations silence that fear. This is a practice I rely on heavily, especially when big competitions are closing in, to build up that mental muscle.
Here is an example to get you started. Read this list a couple of times. Then, I want you to close your eyes, repeat the phrases to yourself, and start adding what truly speaks to you:
- I am enough.
- I will show up for myself.
- I will rise to the occasion.
- I will be resilient.
- If I make a mistake, I will still rise.
- If I get taken down, I will still rise.
- I am enough.
As you continue to practice these, pay attention to how you feel. Notice how, even if just for a brief second, you find a sense of peace. That feeling means everything.
I encourage all of you to find a phrase that feels right to you. For me, it’s “I am enough” and “And Still I Rise.” Both of those phrases embody the word resilient, which is my word of the year.
Think about what works best for you. And remember, it doesn't always have to be incredibly deep! It can be something lighthearted and rewarding, like, “No matter how I do out there, I will earn my Crumbl cookie.” Find whatever truly fits you and your journey.
To all the young wrestlers out there grinding and getting ready for Fargo: This is your time to build that mental endurance just as much as your physical gas tank. Acknowledge the nerves, speak your truth, trust your training, and step on the mat knowing exactly who you are. You've got this.