Every athlete makes mistakes. It’s inevitable. We see it on the biggest stages all the time. The most important trait to have when you make a mistake is short-term memory. You made a mistake: own up to it, forget about it, and move on to the next play. Keeping mistakes at the forefront of your mind can be detrimental to future performance. Similar techniques can also be applied to bad games and practices. Forget about it—but it’s really not that simple.

Mid-Game Mistakes

Forgetting a mistake mid-game is easier than forgetting about a bad game. For example, let’s say you made an error in baseball that cost your team a run. This mistake, if you let it, can lead you to commit more errors. The best way to work through an error like this is to:

1. Take Responsibility: Own up to the mistake and let your teammates know that you’ll be better next time.
2. Push the Error Out of Your Head: Continue the game with your mindset in the moment. If you struggle with developing this mindset, check out our mental performance coaches at Athletes Untapped who can help you get in the right mindset.
3. Focus on the Next Play: Once you’re back in the moment, the error should be gone from your head. It’s okay to revisit it after the game, but it’s imperative that it does not interfere with performance further.

Post-Game Reflection

After the game, take a few minutes to reflect on what went wrong. Be 100% honest with yourself and take responsibility for what you can. Here’s how to do it:

1. Set a Specific Time to Reflect: After this time expires, take the lessons that you have found in your reflection.
2. Identify Areas for Improvement: Maybe you want to work more on erratic ground balls or communicate better with teammates when a ball is put into play.
3. Adopt a Mindset of Improvement: Go into your next practice with a mindset of improvement. A good coach will not use you as an example of poor play but may pull you aside and let you know what you can improve.

Learning from Mistakes

If you don’t learn from your mistakes, then an opportunity has been wasted. Use mistakes as an opportunity to:

• Reflect and Get Better: Identify areas for improvement and work on them.
• Build Bonds with Teammates: Taking responsibility and working together to improve can strengthen team dynamics.
• Expand Your Character: Develop resilience and a growth mindset.

Michael Jordan has missed thousands of shots, Derek Jeter struck out in big moments, Caitlin Clark lost back-to-back national championships, and Eliud Kipchoge has faltered in many races. These athletes do not let their failures define them but rather motivate them. So don’t beat yourself up too much; just get to work.

If you’re interested in working with a private coach, check out Athletes Untapped. We have private coaching options in your area, so you can work on those weaknesses.