Hey again, Kelly --- I know what you mean: negative self-talk is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Though one of my own issues (aside from the performance anxiety bit I mentioned earlier) wasn't so much kicking myself about technique while I was doing it as it was my constantly looking back (after the fact) and kicking myself about how lousy it was. When I think about it more, however, I also realize that the latter has also served a good purpose: it's been helpful in encouraging me to work harder.

Jamie Quit being so hard on yourself! You have put so much time in on the mat your probably way more than ready for your 5th Kyu. There is a wall you can hit if you don't start projecting a positive energy for yourself. One of the things we train not to do is when we make a mistake we don't shake our heads or sound exasperated with ourselves. This negative energy affects all training afterwards in a subtle way. I am getting better at not beating myself up after I make a mistake and it does make a difference in my technique. I think alot of it has to do with the negative energy we give ourselves causes tention. This tention in turn affects our technique adversely. If, however, we don't react to the mistakes, and think confidently and positively about the next technique it promotes a more relaxed state that improves your technique. What do you think? It's all in the mind. If you don't mind it won't matter, because the technique is going to work better. Kelly