Gratitude before the result is the bravest kind. Anybody can say thanks after the win.

Thanks after a good outcome is easy, because the outcome is doing the work. Saying it beforehand, while the result is unknown, means being grateful for something other than winning: the chance, the people, getting to try. That is harder, and it does not depend on how the week ends. It is also the only version that survives losing.

Before the game or the exam, name two things you are glad about that the result cannot remove. Your teammates, the coaching, the fact that you are well enough to play. Then go and compete properly.