Focus on what you can control

One of the things that can really be a freeing thing for athletes or any individual for that matter, is just focusing on what you can control. Don't worry about what others are going to say, what your opponent is going to do, about certain events that may arise, or anything else which you can control. You can control your actions, your words, you attitude, and the way you respond to things. You can relieve yourself of carrying the psychological burden of worrying about factors outside of your control and focus solely on your circle of control.