| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | The # 1 key to keeping distractions from impacting |
| Focus and having the ability to remain immersed in the | | | | performance is ""Awareness"". To be ""aware"" we |
| Task Relevant Cues is critical to the execution of a | | | | must first identify the distractions that get keep us |
| task. When the athlete is unable to remain immersed in | | | | from performing at our best. |
| the relevant cues and the task at hand one of two | | | | I challenge you to make a list of the Top 5 Internal |
| things will happen: 1) The athlete will have trouble with | | | | Distractions, and the Top 5 External Distractions that |
| the Challenge/Skill (CS) level equation, or 2) the athlete | | | | get in the way of reaching your peak performances. |
| will have trouble with internal or external distractions. All | | | | Write these down!! Internal distractions, the most |
| it takes is a split second distraction for the athlete to | | | | common, are often self-induced and enter the mind in |
| lose focus and as a result miss the cues associated | | | | the form of doubt, indecision, lack of confidence or |
| with execution of the skill. An athletes focus and the | | | | negative thoughts about performance. Example: Tennis |
| ability to control the direction of focus may be the | | | | player worrying about double faulting. External |
| single most important mental skill, second to | | | | distractions are the changes in the environment that |
| confidence. The goal is to help the athlete focus better | | | | cause off task issues. Examples: Changes in the |
| more of the time; and understand when and how to | | | | weather, officials getting in the head of a player, |
| refocus when distractions get in the way. One | | | | hecklers in the stands, or off field distractions. |
| distraction that will act as an internal distraction is the | | | | Make a commitment to be aware of what you have |
| athlete's level of activation or intensity (called | | | | in your control, and understand what is out of your |
| physiological arousal). Few athletes realize that you | | | | control. Once you have created the two lists send me |
| can actually over-stimulate your intensity, get over | | | | an email -- I will reveal to you the Five Elements to |
| excited and adversely impact your ability to focus. | | | | Developing a Keen Focus and help you incorporate |
| Events outside of a sport, such as challenges in your | | | | these into a strategy to keep distractions from |
| business, academic or personal life can also influence | | | | negatively controlling your performances. |
| your ability to focus fully in practice and competition. | | | | |