Are Smart Kids More Prone to Anxiety?

PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith

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Ever noticed your brilliant, sensitive gymnast getting stuck in their own head? You’re not alone. As a sports psychology expert, I’ve seen countless smart kids struggle with mental blocks, and today I want to share some hope and practical advice. What Makes Smart Kids Different in Sports Intelligent athletes often have some common traits:

They’re incredibly talented.
They move quickly through skill levels.
They love their sport deeply.
They’re sensitive and cautious.
They set incredibly high standards for themselves.

Sound familiar? These qualities are actually superpowers when understood correctly. The Science Behind Smart Kids and Anxiety Research shows that intelligent kids have more active imaginations. This means they’re amazing at problem solving but also incredible at imagining potential problems. Their brains are wired to detect threats quickly, which kept our ancestors safe but can create mental roadblocks in sports. Turning Overthinking into a Strength Here’s the good news: overthinking can become your child’s greatest asset. By teaching them to:

Question their negative thoughts
Use positive imagery
Break skills into manageable steps
Track their own progress

You can help transform anxiety into confidence. Quick Tips for Coaches and Sports Parents

Listen to their fears without dismissing them.
Help them collect data about their performance.
Encourage growth mindset thinking.
Celebrate small victories.

Remember, a mental block isn’t a weakness. It is an opportunity for incredible growth.

Learn exactly what to say and do to guide your athlete through a mental block with my new book "Parenting Through Mental Blocks" Order your copy today: https://a.co/d/g990Bur
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Ready to help your athlete overcome fears and mental blocks while gaining unstoppable confidence? Discover the transformative power of PerformHappy now. If your athlete is struggling or feeling left behind, it's time for a change. Are you ready? For more info and to sign up: PerformHappy.com

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