Never do anything out of fear, if you can avoid it. Fear clouds your thinking and places your focus on the negative outcome. If you need to win then you will lose because you will be focused on what is at stake and not on the objective. Detach yourself from the object and get in the zone before you take action.
"*Anchor in success.* To review, an anchor is an association between a specific set of feelings or an emotional state and some unique stimulus--an image, sound, name, taste, etc. "
Each time you do something well, repeat a short phrase or make a quick gesture with your hand. Then, when you want to reach that optimal state again, repeat the phrase or gesture and it will throw your brain back in that state. Interesting idea.
"Mentally rehearse your performance and desired outcome."
I remember imagining myself shooting quite often in high school before basketball games. This does actually help.
Never act out of fear, focus on the objective, not on yourself.
Have others watch when you feel that you are more competent than your opponent. When you are less confident, try to compete without an audience.
Never underestimate the power of human touch.
Arrange opposing parties so they are next to each other, not across from one another. When we are opposite one another physically, our position becomes more entrenched as we begin to develop an "us against them" mentality. Side-by-side sitting promotes the optimum atmosphere for unification and cooperation.
Numerous studies conclude that division among people dissolves when there is an opposing outside threat.