Self Motivating Pep Talks for Every Occasion

Give yourself a halftime speech.

It’s the stuff of myths and the climax of any sports movie worth its salt: The coach spends halftime propping up his players with rousing words and they emerge energized, focused and ready for a win. At times tough and uplifting, these speeches are always just what the team needs to hear. 

To break down the anatomy of this classic in the communication genre, we talked to those who have coached and been coached. As you read their advice, imagine coaching yourself in your own specific situation. Here’s your opportunity to challenge yourself, recenter your focus on your goals, reach for some confidence and hold yourself accountable. If the Rockford Peaches can do it, so can you.

Who will you be when you emerge from the tunnel for the second half?

A halftime speech for every game

Words to activate your second half and emerge proud of your performance.

The situation: You came into the game with high expectations (You know: this is your year, you can win quarantine, etc.).

Your mindset: You thought winning would be easy—and now you’re not sure of anything.

The speech you need: Remember what got you here—all the skills & stats that pointed to your slam dunk. Remember how to do the little things right. Remember what you’ve practiced time and time again. You’ve got this.

The situation: You’re getting your ass kicked. (PS This succcccckkkks. When’s the game over?)

Your mindset: You are really soul-searching—about what you are made of and who you are. You know, life’s easy questions.

The speech you need: You may not win this game—but you can be f’ing sure you are going to win the second half. This is about digging deep and activating your heart. 

The situation: It’s a tie. (Head above water would be a comfort right now.)

Your mindset: It’s a true battle—you are neither winning nor losing. 

The speech you need: How badly do you want this? Do you want it more than anything else? How do you want to feel when the clock hits zero?

The situation: You are winning. (To your surprise, you have somehow been killing it.)

Your mindset: You’re feeling pretty good about yourself (and a little bad for the team that is getting the business in the other locker room). 

The speech you need: Forget about the first half. Don’t get complacent. The second half needs you to keep your head in the game and the discipline to keep up your winning ways.