Insights from ‘The Confident Mind’ by Dr. Nate Zinsser

Question 1

What is the definition of confidence according to Dr. Nate Zinsser?

Answer 1

Confidence is the feeling that you can do something so well that you don’t have to think about how to do it when you’re doing it; it becomes a part of you.

Question 2

What is the ‘First Victory’ concept?

Answer 2

The ‘First Victory’ is the point before an important event when you trust your training and stop telling yourself what to do, relying on your confidence.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Your mind maintains a ‘____’ of memories for the skill you want to excel in.

Answer 3

mental bank account

Question 4

What types of memories should be deposited in the mental bank account?

Answer 4

Energizing and encouraging memories of quality effort, success, or progress (E.S.Ps).

Question 5

True or False: Self-doubt arises when the mental bank account is low.

Answer 5

True

Question 6

How can one build up their mental bank account daily?

Answer 6

By reflecting each night on quality effort, success, and progress in their field.

Question 7

What question should you ask yourself each night to build your mental bank account?

Answer 7

Where did I put forth quality effort today?

Question 8

Fill in the blank: A confident athlete reflects on _______ at the end of each day to reinforce their mental bank account.

Answer 8

effort, success, and progress

Question 9

Why is it important to highlight effort, success, and progress regularly?

Answer 9

To maintain a high mental bank account balance and avoid self-doubt in performance.

Question 10

Explain the C-B-A pre-performance routine.

Answer 10

C-B-A stands for Cue your conviction, Breathe your body, and Attach your attention, which helps prepare the mind and body for confident performance.

Question 11

What does ‘Cue your conviction’ involve?

Answer 11

It involves using a phrase to turn nervous energy into excitement, motivating you to perform well.

Question 12

How does ‘Breathe your body’ contribute to performance confidence?

Answer 12

By using deep breathing to control your mental state and let your practiced skills take over.

Question 13

What should you focus on in the ‘Attach your attention’ step?

Answer 13

Focus deeply on a specific aspect of your performance, like rhythm or texture, to block out distractions.

Question 14

True or False: Dwelling on mistakes during performance enhances confidence.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What did Tiger Woods mean by becoming ‘entrenched’ and ‘engrossed’ during a shot?

Answer 15

He focused so deeply on the shot that background noise and self-conscious thought disappeared, letting his subconscious take over.

Question 16

Why should imperfections be quickly accepted during performance?

Answer 16

Berating oneself for mistakes depletes the mental bank account and harms confidence.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Thrive for perfection but quickly accept ______ because you’re human.

Answer 17

imperfections

Question 18

Give an example of a confidence-triggering phrase one might use before a performance.

Answer 18

Examples include ‘Do it like you know it!’ or ‘Time to cruise!’

Question 19

What is the purpose of making E.S.P deposits according to The Confident Mind?

Answer 19

To build confidence by accumulating positive memories of effort, success, and progress.

Question 20

How does dwelling on mistakes impact one’s mental bank account?

Answer 20

It depletes the mental bank account, erasing confidence built up from positive reflection.