To be a consistent performer you ’must’ slay the raging monster within (control your emotions during competition). I am sure at one time (or two), you became upset, frustrated, or angry with yourself and it cost you the game or match. How quickly you can recover from errors and mishaps will hinge on your ability to let it go and remain composed.

Many talented athletes who do not know how to control their negative emotions fail to reach their potential because they get hot-headed, angry, or just crawl into their negative mental shell and don't return. You know the type: The perfectionist athlete who is prone to emotional outbursts after errors or when not performing up to his or her expectations.

Emotional control is when you stay even-tempered, level – headed, or poised even when you are challenged by mishaps or adversity. Even the top athletes, such as Tiger Woods, get upset. But they are able to gain control quickly and get back to business. Recovering quickly from mistakes, separates champions from athletes who crack under adversity and are cooked mentally for the rest of the competition.