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[audio:http://www.betteryourchess.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/MasterTheMindset-Psychology-TheThreeStages.mp3]- Download the MP3 [17 minutes – 15.5 MB]
All three stages are relevant to my chess playing. I become uncomfortably nervous before games, and even a day or two in advance of a tournament. I know that I use up many energy reserves. What I would call “fatalistic” thinking is unfortunately very common as well. The rating of an opponent becomes much too important and indicative of the way the game will go. I become too personally invested in the game, losing objectivity and evaluating myself based on the result. Many times, even a win isn’t “good enough.” As I have mentioned before, personal psychological and thinking weaknesses come forth in my playing of chess. This would be a good audio to listen to prior to a game.
I loved the excercises! A strong mind is very much needed to play good Chess…and enjoy it.