When lack of confidence shows up in your data

Notice something interesting here?

The workout called for:

• 8min at 90-95% (261-275w)

• 4min at 95-100% (275-290w)

• 2min at 100% (290w)

What the athlete delivered:

• 8min at 279w (96% - top of the range)

• 4min at 291w (100% - above the range)

• 2min at 309w (106% - way above!)

This is what “trying to find confidence” looks like.

When athletes feel uncertain, they often:

∙ Push harder than prescribed

∙ Go above target zones

∙ Try to prove something to themselves

∙ Chase confidence through more effort

But here’s the problem:

More effort ≠ More confidence

Going harder than your training calls for doesn’t build confidence. It builds:

∙ Unnecessary fatigue

∙ Higher risk of burnout

∙ Poor pacing habits

∙ Mental pressure to always go “extra”

Real confidence comes from:

∙ Trusting the process

∙ Hitting your targets (not exceeding them)

∙ Executing the plan as written

∙ Learning to perform without needing to prove yourself

The session was designed perfectly. The athlete didn’t need to go harder. They needed to trust it.

My coach (A.Vayer) always says: Less is always better than more.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is follow the plan—even when your brain is screaming to do more.

Trust > Effort.