{"id":15793,"date":"2023-08-31T12:49:05","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T16:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/?p=15793"},"modified":"2025-06-03T08:25:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:25:34","slug":"how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\/","title":{"rendered":"How Elite Athletes Prove Themselves at the Next Level"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/how-to-prove-themselves.jpg\" alt=\"How Elite Athletes Prove Themselves at the Next Level\" class=\"wp-image-15794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/how-to-prove-themselves.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/how-to-prove-themselves-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_the_Top_Dog_is_No_Longer_the_Top_Dog\"><\/span>When the Top Dog is No Longer the Top Dog<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Article Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0769bf;color:#0769bf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\/#When_the_Top_Dog_is_No_Longer_the_Top_Dog\" >When the Top Dog is No Longer the Top Dog<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\/#You_can_modify_your_mindset_through_the_following_four_steps\" >You can modify your mindset through the following four steps:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\/#You_can_improve_your_mindset_for_sports_by\" >You can improve your mindset for sports by:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\/#Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\" >Related Sports Psychology Articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\/#The_Composed_Athlete\" >The Composed Athlete<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Many athletes have difficulty going from being one of the best on their team to a team where they are fighting for a roster spot or playing time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Transitioning<\/strong> from youth competition to high school, high school to college, or college to the pros can be challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, some athletes who were stars on their previous team feel intimidated when they try out for a more competitive team or when their team has an influx of talented athletes or recruits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you feel you have to prove yourself in a new competitive environment, you can feel your every move is being scrutinized. You become fearful of making that one big mistake that will hurt your chances of earning a spot on the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To add to your anxiety, you fear disappointing others, risking embarrassment, or assuming you are not talented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This negative mindset puts you at a disadvantage, physically and mentally, among the athletes around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Turning around your mindset and perspective is crucial to maintain your confidence and motivation&#8211;and to maximize your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_can_modify_your_mindset_through_the_following_four_steps\"><\/span>You can modify your mindset through the following four steps:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understanding the situation &#8211; A realistic view of your circumstances will help you assess where you stand and what you need to accomplish to achieve your objective.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being ready for your opportunity &#8211; Let nothing deter you from putting in the necessary work, developing your mental skills, working on your mechanics, and advancing your game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding comparisons &#8211; Often, comparing yourself to players in front of you on the depth chart can hurt your confidence. Stay focused on improving your game and competing daily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making the most of your opportunity &#8211; When it&#8217;s your time, go for it. Don&#8217;t hold back!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Philadelphia Eagles undrafted rookie Eli Ricks was always one of the top players on his teams from youth to college. Ricks was a five-star recruit and 2020 All-SEC as a freshman at LSU.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a year at LSU, Ricks transferred to Alabama, then declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, eventually signing with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ricks went from being on the top to having to prove himself at the professional level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RICKS<\/strong>:\u00a0<em>&#8220;This has been a very hard experience for me. I&#8217;m usually the first guy called on ever since I played football. Now, it&#8217;s totally the opposite. I gotta prove myself to be here. That&#8217;s where my focus has been, to shift my mindset.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the preseason, Ricks has kept the focus on himself, competing and improving his game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RICKS<\/strong>:\u00a0<em>&#8220;As an undrafted guy, you have to do a little bit extra to stand out. I feel I&#8217;ve done all I could to prove why I should belong (on this team).&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Elite athletes have a steadfast focus on growth. They are not intimidated by talented athletes around them. Instead, they compete whether they are the top dog or fighting to become the top dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Proving yourself requires commitment and dedication more than raw talent. To maximize your ability, you want to develop a strong mental game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_can_improve_your_mindset_for_sports_by\"><\/span>You can improve your mindset for sports by:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Becoming a better team leader.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improving mental toughness and patience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working on mental skills that give you a distinct advantage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Keeping your goals in mind and staying committed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"block-979ef383-5bc7-43ee-b8f9-249663ca1a6c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Sports_Psychology_Articles\"><\/span>Related Sports Psychology Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-05642731-8752-4dbf-9c18-5cc4d276e821\" class=\"wp-block-list has-normal-font-size\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/the-mindset-to-perform-at-the-next-level\/\">The Mindset to Perform at the Next Level<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/golf-podcastdo-you-have-the-confidence-to-play-at-the-next-level\/\">Do You Have the Confidence to Play at the Next Level?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-develop-mental-skills\/\">How Elite Athletes Develop Mental Skills<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-5726d13f-f715-4ca4-8813-2f8a9ebd8bc3\">*Subscribe to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a>&nbsp;on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-281f5afb-980b-4c71-9aa0-11d606b5f7c9\"><strong>Download a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/mental-toughness-report-athletes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free sports psychology report<\/a>&nbsp;to improve your mental game!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\" id=\"block-94138e75-d591-4645-bb1d-212cf57a8841\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sport-psychology-training-athletes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Composed_Athlete\"><\/span>The Composed Athlete<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/composed-athlete-small.jpg\" alt=\"The Composed Athlete Workbook &amp; Audio\" class=\"wp-image-19327\" style=\"width:164px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Composed Athlete\u201d is presented on<strong> 80-minute Audio Programs<\/strong> with a <strong>70-page step-by-step workbook<\/strong> that guides you through the program each day. It\u2019s a complete system for conditioning your mind to have <strong>maximum composure in competitio<\/strong>n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>The Composed Athlete<\/strong>\u201d was developed for <strong>any level coach, parent, or junior to professional athlete<\/strong> who wants to improve performance and gain a competitive edge. It does not matter if you are a fledgling junior athlete; or a seasoned professional, plagued with distractions; or you just wanting to learn how to improve your composure\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8fee86ee\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-df6f9eb5 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/the-composed-athlete-cd-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GET DETAILS<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-9e238db0 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/collections\/the-confident-athlete-series-digital-download\/products\/the-composed-athlete-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BUY NOW<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When the Top Dog is No Longer the Top Dog Many athletes have difficulty going from being one of the best on their team to a team where they are fighting for a roster spot or playing time.&nbsp; Transitioning from youth competition to high school, high school to college, or college to the pros can be challenging. Likewise, &#8230; <a title=\"How Elite Athletes Prove Themselves at the Next Level\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/sports-psychology-blog\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Elite Athletes Prove Themselves at the Next Level\">Sport Psychology Article&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15795,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[318,247],"class_list":["post-15793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports-psychology-tips","tag-confidence-in-sports","tag-mental-toughness-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO Pro 4.9.7.1 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Proving yourself requires commitment and dedication more than raw talent. 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Athletes\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.peaksports.com\\\/sports-psychology-blog\\\/how-elite-athletes-prove-themselves-at-the-next-level\\\/#organizationLogo\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/PeakPerformanceSports\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/PeaksportsCoach\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/sportspsychcoach\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@peakperformancesports\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/MindsetForSports\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.peaksports.com\\\/sports-psychology-blog\\\/author\\\/doccohn\\\/#author\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.peaksports.com\\\/sports-psychology-blog\\\/author\\\/doccohn\\\/\",\"name\":\"Patrick 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