Hi Reader,
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You know that voice in your head after a bad race, a missed shot, or a tough training session?
The one that says: "You’re not good enough." "You’ll never make it." "Everyone else is better than you."

Yeah, that one. It’s brutal, isn’t it?
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If you’ve ever caught yourself spiraling into harsh self-criticism, you’re not alone. Negative self-talk is one of the most common mental barriers athletes face.
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And here's the weird part. The inner critic is not making you better. It’s holding you back.
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When you constantly criticize yourself, it erodes your confidence, increases anxiety, and makes it harder to focus. It’s like trying to run a race with a 50-pound weight strapped to your back. So, what’s the alternative?
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​Self-compassion.
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​Before you roll your eyes and think, “That means going soft,” give me a moment.
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Self-compassion isn’t about lowering your standards or making excuses. It’s about treating yourself with the same respect and understanding you’d offer a teammate who’s struggling.
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Think about it: If your best friend missed a goal or had a bad race, would you tell them they’re a failure? Of course not.
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You’d probably say something like, “Hey, it’s okay. Everyone has tough days. You’ll bounce back.”
​So why not talk to yourself the same way?
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​Here’s a quick exercise to try this week:​
1️⃣ Think about a recent setback or tough moment in your sport.
2️⃣ Write about it as if you’re talking to a close friend in the same situation.
3️⃣ Be kind, understanding, and encouraging.
To walk you through this exercise step by step, we've pulled our Self-Compassion exercise out of the Skadi resource vault to share with you! 👇🏻

This simple shift can help you break the cycle of negative self-talk and build a healthier, more resilient mindset.
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Want to dive deeper into how self-compassion can transform your performance? Check out the latest blog post packed with practical tips and exercises you can start using today. 👇🏻

🎙️This week on the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast, we welcome Dr. Margie Davenport to debunk common myths around pregnancy and postpartum exercise. This is a good one! Discover how your body’s adaptations during pregnancy can actually support your athletic performance, and why heavy lifting and high-intensity workouts may not be as risky as you think. Tune in for empowering insights that challenge outdated narratives!

If this resonates with you, hit reply and let me know: What’s one way you can practice self-compassion in your training this week?
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​Talk soon,
Dr. A

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