I get nervous every time I go out onto the floor with my dog. It's kinda like a "stage fright" of some sort. I like the people I've met playing flyball and my dog just LOVES playing. How do I get over feeling nervous before a race?
I really feel for you. Getting over nervousness before performing can be daunting. Flyball matters to you or you wouldn't feel nervous. Perhaps you are concerned about your dog's readiness or your ability to handle your dog. It won't be easy but, I have some advice that might help you to cope.
1.) Alter your perception – Remember, life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react. A rainy day may be wonderful to a farmer and frustrating to a golfer, yet the actual event is exactly the same. You can turn any situation into a positive or negative experience, depending on your perception. The same is true for flyball. Your dog may go around the jumps or spit the ball before crossing the line but, he will still have as much fun. Look at flyball the way your dog does and have "fun" no matter what happens out there!
2.) Keep a training journal – a journal allows you to list the day’s events including successes and difficulties. When you’re feeling down, look through the journal each month and recount how much you’ve accomplished. If you still haven’t met your goals, it’s good motivation to build a plan for yourself and your dog. A journal gives you an accurate record of your training path and should give you confidence that you and your dog are truly "ready" to compete.
3.) Manage your time – Make lists of what you need to do. Write down your ideas and do not trust them to memory. This works for training goals, dog equipment, human comfort and what to bring for lunch and dinner.
4.) Schedule fun time – Set aside an hour or two just for you and your dog. Use it to walk your dog, relax or do something you enjoy. Time "off" is just as important as racing is.
5.) Pay attention to your physical self – If you feel sluggish, achy or lethargic, your body is telling you to slow down. Don’t bulldoze through ignoring your need to rest. If you are hungry, take a break and eat. If you are exhausted, take a catnap and revive your spirits. You expend as much energy as your dog does so take the time to take care of your "self".
6.) Find a team that really "fits" your personality – Surround yourself with supportive people who build your confidence and are reliable. A positive attitude is catchy and you may find someone else’s smile rubbing off on you. We all need to belong.
7.) Take a real vacation away from flyball – A vacation doesn’t have to be expensive or jam-packed with activity. Take a quiet vacation, with no itinerary or schedules. In fact, you may want to stay at home – just make sure it is a real "break" from flyball. Flyball will always be there waiting for you to return.
8.) Let go of emotional baggage – Stop worrying about things you can’t control. Concentrate on the things you have power over. Don’t stay up all night worrying about whether you or your dog will "mess" up! Focus, instead, on going to the tournament with a good attitude!
Good Luck and Good Racing!
..............Chris
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