Do you ever catch yourself imagining the worst possible outcomes before a big game, tryout, or performance? Maybe it’s a championship match, a skills showcase, or even a practice where you want to prove yourself—and your mind starts spiraling.

You start asking questions like:

 

  • What if I mess up in front of everyone?
  • What if my coach benches me?
  • What if I embarrass myself?

 

Suddenly, you’re vividly picturing all the ways things could go wrong. This mental habit, often called the Worst-Case Scenario Game, feels like preparation, but in reality, it creates unnecessary anxiety and holds you back from performing your best.

 

Why Do Student-Athletes Play the Worst-Case Scenario Game?

Your brain is wired to protect you. When you imagine worst-case scenarios, it’s your mind’s way of trying to shield you from potential embarrassment or failure. The intention is positive—your brain is trying to keep you safe.

But here’s the issue: this protective instinct often works through avoidance. Instead of empowering you to face challenges, the Worst-Case Scenario Game keeps you stuck in fear. When you focus so intensely on what could go wrong, it becomes harder to trust yourself, take risks, or even enjoy the game you love.

 

The Power of Your Imagination

Your imagination is a powerful tool. It can serve you or sabotage you, depending on how you use it.

When you play the Worst-Case Scenario Game, your imagination works against you, amplifying fear and self-doubt. But when you use your imagination to picture success and solutions, it becomes a resource for confidence and growth.

Shift the Game: The Best-Case Scenario

What if, instead of obsessing over what you don’t want, you focused on what you do want?

This is where the Best-Case Scenario Game comes in. It’s not about ignoring potential challenges — it’s about shifting your focus to:

  1. What you DO want to happen.
  2. What success looks like on the field or court.
  3. How to make that success a reality.
  4. What obstacles might arise and how you’ll overcome them.

Here’s how it works:

  1. When you fell your mind slipping into worst-case thinking, pause.
  2. Ask yourself: What’s the best thing that could happen?
  3. Use your imagination to picture that scenario vividly. See yourself making the perfect play, staying calm under pressure, and feeling proud of your effort.
  4. Imagine coming up against challenges and problem solving them. How will I get through this?
  5. See yourself learning from whatever happens, no matter what: No matter what, this game will be a stepping stone to my future. I am going to do my best and learn as much as I can from it.

Why This Works

Focusing on the best-case scenario primes your brain for success. It:

  • Reduces anxiety by shifting attention from fear to possibility.
  • Builds confidence by helping you see what’s possible for yourself as an athlete.
  • Encourages proactive problem-solving rather than freezing up or playing it safe.

Instead of staying stuck in fear, you’ll begin moving toward the outcomes you want.

The Choice Is Yours

Both games — worst-case and best-case — are rooted in the same mechanism: your imagination. The key difference lies in how you use it.

The Word-Case Scenario Game may feel familiar, but it limits your potential. The Best-Case Scenario Game helps you envision success and take the steps to achieve it.

So, which game will you choose to play?

Ready to build true confidence and perform your best? Our Guaranteed Confidence Program helps student-athletes overcome performance anxiety and thrive under pressure. Click here to learn more!