Own Your Focus, Own Your Game: A Mindset for Peak Performance

Hey athletes! It's your mental performance coach here, ready to talk about the ultimate performance booster: focus.

We all know the feeling. You're in the zone, laser-sharp, and everything clicks. But how do you get there consistently? How do you silence distractions, manage nerves, and channel your energy into peak performance? The answer lies in taking ownership of your focus.

Why Focus Matters

Think of your mind as a powerful computer. To run smoothly, it needs dedicated processing power. Distractions – that nagging doubt, the scoreboard in the corner, the roar of the crowd – are like running multiple programs at once. They overload your system and hinder performance.

By owning your focus, you become the master of your mental game. You learn to filter out distractions, stay present in the moment, and direct your energy towards the task at hand. This translates to:

• Improved concentration: You can execute your skills with precision and avoid sloppy mistakes.

• Enhanced confidence: You trust your abilities and know you've prepared mentally.

• Greater resilience: You bounce back from setbacks and stay focused on the next play.

Owning Your Focus: Your Game Plan

Okay, so how do you actually "own your focus"? Here are some actionable strategies:

• Pre-Game Imagery: Before competition, mentally rehearse your performance. See yourself executing plays flawlessly, feeling calm and focused. Imagery primes your mind for success.

• Mindfulness Techniques: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you stay present and manage performance anxiety. A calm mind is a focused mind.
  

• Minimize Distractions: Focus on and control what you can. If pre-game jitters have you checking your phone every five seconds, silence notifications and focus on your pre-game routine.

• Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome: Don't get bogged down by the scoreboard or the pressure to win. Focus on executing each play. When you focus on the process and what you can control within it, the outcome often takes care of itself.

Remember: Owning your focus is a journey, not a destination. There will be bumps along the road. But with consistent practice and dedication, you can develop an unshakable mental edge. You'll find yourself entering competition not just physically prepared, but mentally ready to dominate.

Own your focus. Own your game

Kate

About: Kate Allgood is educated in the field of applied sport psychology. She holds two Masters degrees in psychology where she graduated with distinction. After a very successful hockey career, she has spent the past 14 years working one on one with high school, college, Olympic, and professional athletes to help them with their mindset, mental performance and mental skills training. Kate has also been a consultant for professional teams, including the Anaheim Ducks primary minor league affiliate the San Diego Gulls, to help the team and players develop their mental game. It is important to note that while Kate has graduate school training in applied sport psychology and general psychology, she does not diagnose or treat clinical disorders, and is not a licensed psychologist. 

**The information provided is not to dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique, either directly or indirectly, as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems, without the advice of a physician. The information provided is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for high performance. If you know or suspect you have a health problem, it is recommended you seek your physician's advice.