Psychologist on the water

Ok, so lets continue our psychological journey both into my rowing and the way psychology (sport psychology in particular) could be a way to improve my/your rowing. This post will focus on what we say to ourselves in training and in competition and how this might help or hinder performance. As I was singling the other day, an altercation with some aggressive foliage on the bank led to some 'stability' issues and I vividly recall saying to myself 'oh s*&t I am going in...I am going in' as I flayed both arms and blades in the air and as I went rather over to stroke side. A moment later however I also remember saying to myself 'get it together....you've got this' which led to me getting back in control of the boat and staying upright and dry. I do think that is was this positive self-talk that enabled me to get back control of the boat, allowed me to compose myself, and allowed me to carry on. There was certainly a degree of luck involved here I have to