Greatest Skier Exposes Mental Barriers To Success | Mikaela Shiffrin

Overcoming Fear

Mikaela Shiffrin shares her mental strategies for overcoming fear in high-pressure racing situations. She describes the recurring images of past accidents that haunt her and how she uses breathing and focus techniques to manage these fears. Mikaela emphasizes the importance of acknowledging fear rather than ignoring it, as it allows her to confront and manage it effectively 1. She admits that fear is a constant companion but insists that it should not hold one back 2.

I do think it's important to admit when you have fear to yourself because it's like a relationship and you're like, I got to let you know that I'm feeling this right now. And then you still go for it.

--- Mikaela Shiffrin

Her approach to fear involves a balance between self-care and considering the opinions of those she loves, finding a middle ground that works for her.

   

Managing Pressure

Managing the immense pressure of high-stakes competitions is another challenge Mikaela faces. She discusses the unrealistic expectations placed on her to not just win but to win by significant margins, which adds to the pressure 3. Mikaela explains how she has learned to reframe negative questions from the media into positive reflections, helping to shift the mood around her 4.

I just realized how much more control I have than I ever knew before of the closest people around me and their moods.

--- Mikaela Shiffrin

This reframing has allowed her to maintain a positive outlook even when she doesn't meet external expectations.

   

Social Anxiety

Mikaela also opens up about her struggles with social anxiety, particularly during her time at the ski academy. She recounts the intense anxiety she felt in social settings, such as walking into a cafeteria without a friend 5. This anxiety often led her to avoid social situations altogether, opting to eat alone rather than face the discomfort.

I will go eat in a bathroom stall before I have to deal with that. It's like the mean girls scene. It's a real thing.

--- Mikaela Shiffrin

Despite being part of a close-knit community, these feelings of rejection and isolation were very real for her.

   

Confidence vs. Courage

Mikaela distinguishes between confidence and courage, emphasizing that courage is more important. She explains that while confidence is often associated with external validation and material success, courage is about the willingness to try despite insecurities 6. Lewis Howes acknowledges her courage in admitting her lack of confidence in certain areas, which he finds inspiring 7.

I just always think of confidence as the material, social thing and maybe self-esteem or courage or just willingness to try as the true what you actually want to be.

--- Mikaela Shiffrin

For Mikaela, courage is the driving force behind her success, allowing her to push through challenges and continue striving for greatness.