Greatest Female Skier Exposes Mental Barriers To Success | Mikaela Shiffrin

Added: Jul 19, 2023

Shiffrin opens the conversation by stating that confidence doesn't have to be a part of success. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of belief, which gives her the courage to try despite the possibility of failure. She shares that her dream as a young skier was not solely focused on the Olympics, but rather on becoming the best skier in the world. She credits her idol, Bodie Miller, for inspiring her to pursue skiing as a career. Shiffrin explains that she watched Miller's races on TV and had DVDs of his winning runs, which motivated her to become a ski racer herself. However, she also witnessed the pressure and challenges that Miller faced during the Olympics, which made her question the importance of winning medals. She realized that her focus should be on the process of skiing and making good turns, rather than on the outcome of winning. The conversation then shifts to the mental barriers Shiffrin has faced throughout her career. She describes different phases she has gone through, from the early years of exceeding expectations to struggling with performance anxiety and the pressure to constantly win by large margins. Shiffrin acknowledges that she has felt the need to please those around her and meet their expectations, which has added to her anxiety and fear of disappointing others. However, Shiffrin has learned to reframe the way she responds to questions and comments from the media and those close to her. Instead of focusing on disappointment or pressure, she chooses to celebrate the achievements of her competitors and find joy in her own performances. She emphasizes the importance of separating external expectations from her own goals and finding control over her own mindset. Shiffrin also credits her mother, who has been her coach throughout her career, for teaching her valuable lessons. Her mother instilled in her the belief that things are worth doing well and that the process of learning and improving can be enjoyable. She also encouraged Shiffrin to seek help from a sports psychologist to manage stress and anxiety. Throughout the conversation, Shiffrin emphasizes the importance of having the courage to try and not being afraid of failure. She believes that confidence comes from within and is about taking action and putting oneself out there, even in the face of potential failure. She also highlights the need for balance in life and relationships, as well as the importance of staying grounded and remembering one's roots. In conclusion, Mikaela Shiffrin's interview with Lewis Howes provides valuable insights into the mental barriers she has faced as a professional skier. She emphasizes the importance of belief, courage, and self-confidence in achieving success, while also acknowledging the challenges of external expectations and pressure. Shiffrin's story serves as an inspiration for athletes and individuals striving to overcome their own mental barriers and achieve their goals.