Motivational Moment: Mental Preparation

<h1>Motivational Moment: Mental Preparation</h1>Author: <a title="John Ellsworth" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/john-ellsworth/178034.htm">John Ellsworth</a> """Everyone has the desire to win, but only champions have the desire to prepare."" --Author Unknown It has been said that sports are 80% mental and 20% physical. But, most athletes spend nearly 100% of their time refining physical skills, and little to no time working to enhance <a>mental toughness skills</a>. It is this unbalanced approach to practice which widens the gap between average athletes and true champions. Mental skill requires practice and repetition, just as physical skills are enhanced with routine practice. To build your mental toughness, start by focusing on four basic skills: visualization of how a successful task is performed, use of a pre-execution routine to focus energy on the task, use of breathing techniques to reduce stress or anxiety, and the use of positive self talk to support previous ""successes"". I challenge you to create a mental skills program that you use daily and can reference during competitive events. For example: • Create imagery about yourself completing a task successfully. What does it look like? How does it feel? • What pre-execution steps can help you lock in on your 'zone' -- touching your cap when at bat, tapping your toe before kick-off, etc.? • What breathing method works best for you to relieve stress and anxiety? • What ""reward"" will you give yourself when you achieve success? How will you celebrate successful completion of a task? Over the next few days, write the answers to the above questions on 3 x 5 cards and rehearse these over. You will be amazed at the difference this exercise will have on your mental toughness and overall performance! "About the Author: John Ellsworth brings a multifaceted approach to the mental aspects of sports and health. Combined with his expertise in clinical and applied <a target="_new" href=" <a target="_blank" href="http://www.protexsports.com">http://www.protexsports.com</a> ">sports psychology</a>, John has extensive experience coaching, teaching, and consulting with serious athletes of all ages. For more information visit: <a href="http://www." target="_blank">www.</a><a target="_new" href=" <a target="_blank" href="http://www.protexsports.com">http://www.protexsports.com</a> ">protexsports</a>.com
Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/track-and-field-articles/motivational-moment-mental-preparation-997118.html" title="Motivational Moment: Mental Preparation">Motivational Moment: Mental Preparation</a>

"""Everyone has the desire to win, but only champions have the desire to prepare."" --Author Unknown It has been said that sports are 80% mental and 20% physical. But, most athletes spend nearly 100% of their time refining physical skills, and little to no time working to enhance mental toughness skills. It is this unbalanced approach to practice which widens the gap between average athletes and true champions. Mental skill requires practice and repetition, just as physical skills are enhanced with routine practice. To build your mental toughness, start by focusing on four basic skills: visualization of how a successful task is performed, use of a pre-execution routine to focus energy on the task, use of breathing techniques to reduce stress or anxiety, and the use of positive self talk to support previous ""successes"". I challenge you to create a mental skills program that you use daily and can reference during competitive events. For example: • Create imagery about yourself completing a task successfully. What does it look like? How does it feel? • What pre-execution steps can help you lock in on your 'zone' -- touching your cap when at bat, tapping your toe before kick-off, etc.? • What breathing method works best for you to relieve stress and anxiety? • What ""reward"" will you give yourself when you achieve success? How will you celebrate successful completion of a task? Over the next few days, write the answers to the above questions on 3 x 5 cards and rehearse these over. You will be amazed at the difference this exercise will have on your mental toughness and overall performance! "

John Ellsworth brings a multifaceted approach to the mental aspects of sports and health. Combined with his expertise in clinical and applied http://www.protexsports.com ">sports psychology, John has extensive experience coaching, teaching, and consulting with serious athletes of all ages. For more information visit: www.http://www.protexsports.com ">protexsports.com

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/track-and-field-articles/motivational-moment-mental-preparation-997118.html

Article Tags: Sports Psychology, Sport Psychology, Sports Motivation, Mental Peak Performance, Sport Psychology Articles, Sports Psychology Books, Sport Psychology Consultants, Psychology Of Sports, Mental Skills Training, Psychology Of Golf, Mental Toughness Training

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Mental Toughness in the Game of Baseball

Play

How to do Performance Profiling in Sport Psychology Part 1

Play

How to do Performance Profiling in Sport Psychology Part 2

Play

How to do Performance Profiling in Sport Psychology Part 3

Play

How to use Routines to Mentally Prepare for Sport Competition Part 2

Latest Track and Field Articles
More from John Ellsworth

Marathon Training Half - Half Marathon Training Programmes

By: Matthew Severs | 14/11/2009
Half marathon training is very difficult to do. Training programmes for a half marathon are what you need to be looking at.

Marathons for Beginners

By: Sue Skull | 13/11/2009
Running Marathons for Beginners There is more to Marathon training than you might think. It is not just a case of going out every day and doing a run around the block and perhaps doubling up and going twice round the block at weekends.

In Bible versus Quran: God saw that he did not prevail against Jacob in wrestling

By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 09/11/2009
Upon wrestling with each other, The Lord God, the Almighty Creator) saw that He did not prevail and could not overpower against Jacob in wrestling; this is what the Bible says. In the Noble Quran, Allah does not wrestle or says such thing.

Choosing Women's Running Shoes - Picking Jogging Sneakers According to Your Foot Type

By: jack waterson | 05/11/2009
Having a pair of fit and comfortable running shoes can prevent injuries as well as enhance your performance. So, how to choose running shoes for women? The first step is to know the foot type - high arch, low arch, or neutral. Here is how to determine your foot type...

Rain Jackets

By: John Smith | 16/10/2009
Rain jackets are the garments that offer the highest level of performance in the rain. These jackets are designed for severe wet weather conditions and can also prove versatile on cold days. Rain jackets are for all; men and women, young and old. These jackets are available in a wide variety of colors like red, brown, black, blue, cream and grey, and have distinct patterns. Sizes for all body types are easy to find and fit perfectly.

888casino and its current status

By: merillmayden | 10/10/2009
This is one of the giant concerns in the casino industry that has its accessibility among the users belong to all age groups and living in every corners of the globe. As this available in 19 languages the users from different countries also accessed this site for best entertainment.

Evo 2 An SEO Software Evolution Brute Force Seo and 2 Keys 2 Manual Surf Traffic Exchange Success

By: Solution Finders | 09/10/2009
Do you use Manual Surf Traffic Exchanges to drive traffic to your websites or affiliate links? In case if you are a new internet marketer and do not know what is a Manual Surf Traffic Exchange, here