If you’re someone who keeps saying, "I'm a GS skier," and you struggle to improve in slalom (SL), there’s a mindset shift you need to make. Here’s the thing: the more you label yourself as a "GS skier," the harder it becomes to excel in SL. It’s not because you lack the skill or potential—it's because you're reinforcing a belief that holds you back. Let's dive into how your self-talk is impacting your progress and how to flip the script to become the skier you want to be.
The Power of Your Self-Talk
What you repeatedly tell yourself has a powerful effect on your performance. When you consistently say, "I’m a GS skier", you're not just stating a fact—you're limiting your potential in SL by reinforcing a belief that you're not good at it. Whether you realize it or not, you're telling your brain that slalom is outside your comfort zone, something you struggle with, or something you just "aren’t as good at."
Here’s the key: your brain believes what you tell it.
When we don’t feel confident in an area—like SL, for instance—it’s easy to approach it half-heartedly. You might not give it your all because deep down, you’ve already convinced yourself that you’re not great at it. That leads to a cycle of holding back, playing it safe, and not improving. And the worst part? The more you think this way, the more evidence your brain finds to support that belief. If you have a rough training day in SL, you chalk it up to, "Well, I’m a GS skier anyway."
This becomes a vicious cycle: the more you label yourself as a GS skier, the more you resist improvement in SL.
3 Ways to Shift Your Mindset
If you’ve ever noticed yourself holding back in SL, it’s time to examine the dialogue in your head. Ask yourself:
- Are you telling yourself you’re a "GS skier" before you ski in a SL course?
- Are you doubting your ability to improve in SL before you even start?
Once you recognize this limiting belief, you can begin to shift it. So, how do you make this mindset shift? Here’s a quick action plan to get started:
- Catch the Negative Self-Talk: The next time you catch yourself saying, "I’m a GS skier" or "I’m not good at SL", stop and challenge that thought. Remind yourself that you have the ability to improve in both disciplines.
- Practice Positive Reframes: Each time you step into a SL course, say to yourself, "I can be a great SL skier." This is a powerful reminder that you’re capable of improvement, even if you’re not perfect right away.
- Focus on Your Progress: Use a journal to track your improvements in SL. Did you take more risks today? Did you feel more in control than last training day? Celebrate small wins to reinforce the belief that you are getting better.
You Can Be Great at Both
Being a "GS skier" doesn’t mean you can’t also be great at SL. The truth is, you have the potential to excel in both disciplines—it all comes down to how you approach them mentally. By shifting your mindset, reframing your self-talk, and allowing yourself the space to improve, you’ll find that SL starts to feel less intimidating and more like a new challenge to master.
So, the next time you head into SL training, remember: you can get better at SL if you believe you can. It’s time to let go of the limiting beliefs and start believing that you can be a SL skier too.
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