W.I.N.
WIN is an acronym for What’s Important Now. This acronym is used by sport psychologists and performance coaches to help athletes stay focused on the most important thing in the present moment. By reminding yourself to WIN you begin to focus on the next pitch, the next play, and the next shot and not on the most recent blunder, mistake, or future event etc.
The WIN approach works like this: Before each play or shot etc. or if you find your mind wandering tell yourself to WIN. Take a deep breath, quickly review the situation, think about what you need to execute and visualize yourself being successful. Consider the steps or process and not the outcome. If you focus on the process, the outcome will take care of itself.
If you would like more information and coaching on this practice and many others contact me to make an appointment.
Pre-Performance Routines
The key to high quality execution is having a pre-performance routine. A routine is a strategy that helps you block out distractions or mental traps and gets you focused in the present moment and on task. When you are locked in on your routine there is no room in your mind for uncomfortable or negative thoughts. Elite athletes create and commit to their routines regardless of the circumstances. Watch this video to learn about this #BeastMind Tip
KILLER INSTINCT
"WE ALL HUNT DIFFERENTLY"
In an interview with LeBron James in ESPN the Magazine LeBron was asked by ESPN the Magazine’s Chris Broussard about the media’s portrayal of his lack of a killer instinct despite his incredible success. His response was very insightful referencing the animal shows that he watches on the Discovery Channel. LeBron explained like animals, athletes hunt differently as it relates to obtaining prey or in sports, attempting to dominate an athletic competition.
He said the following:
“I’ll just put it this way, man. There are different ways to hunt. I watch the Discovery Channel all the time, and you look at all these animals in the wild. And they all hunt a different way to feed their families. They all kill a different way. Lions do it strategically — two females will lead, and then everybody else will come in. Hyenas will just go for it. There are different ways to kill, and I don’t think people understand that. People want everybody to kill the same way. Fans want me to kill like MJ or kill like Kobe. Magic didn’t kill the way they killed. Does that mean he didn’t have a killer instinct? Kareem didn’t either. But does that mean Kareem didn’t have a killer instinct? The same with Bird. That doesn’t mean you don’t have a killer instinct. Tim Duncan don’t kill like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but I’ve played against Tim Duncan twice in the Finals and I know for sure he’s got a killer instinct.”
We can learn a lot from this mindset. While we are coached to have a killer instinct and get after our opponent or finish off a competition, not everyone approaches this the same way. As athletes and coaches we need to be mindful of individual differences and make sure we stay within ourselves and understand our self-image to achieve success. Thanks LeBron!
If you would like more information and coaching on this practice and many others contact me to make an appointment.