In sport, mistakes are inevitable.

What happens next… is optional.

Insight

Most players don't lose confidence because of the mistake.

They lose it because of what follows:

• Frustration
• Overthinking
• Trying to "fix" things too quickly
• Carrying the previous point into the next

The mistake is over.

Mentally, it often isn't.

What's Really Happening?

The most important point isn't always the biggest one.

Often, it's the point immediately after the mistake.

Because that's where momentum changes.

The players who recover quickest are rarely the ones who never make mistakes — they're the ones who let go the fastest.

Reflection

Everyone makes mistakes.

Few recover quickly.

What separates players isn't the error — it's the response that follows.

A Simple Skill to Try

Build a reset routine after every mistake.

Your routine might include:

• A deep breath
• Turning away briefly
• A cue word
• Refocusing on your next action

The goal isn't perfection.

It's consistency.

Take It With You

What is your reset after a mistake — and how consistent is it?

About the Author

Eddie Baghdikian is a graduate of Deakin University's Graduate Diploma of Sport Management and the Australian College of Applied Psychology's Graduate Diploma of Counselling.

With his passion for performance psychology, Eddie brings a practical and accessible approach to strengthening the mental side of sport.

Instagram: @eddiebaghdikian