ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE is often more complex than it appears.
Decades ago, mental-performance coaches dedicated extensive hours to assist Olympians in achieving flawless performances. "The emphasis was heavily on entering a zone of flow and striving for perfection," states Sean McCann, Ph.D., who has spent over three decades as a senior sport psychologist for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
However, the pursuit of perfection is rare; chaos is a constant companion. As mindfulness and resilience emerged as key strategies to manage this chaos, they became integral to high-performance training. Experts like McCann have shifted their focus to navigating moments of intense pressure. These are instances when traditional mental techniques, such as visualization, may falter due to overwhelming circumstances. Athletes must remain engaged, aware, and maintain control over their focus. "Our approach has evolved to assist athletes in managing chaos rather than chasing an elusive state of flow," McCann explains. Mastering chaos involves developing skills to navigate challenging moments, enabling Olympians to cultivate readiness, resilience, and energy. Yet, high-performance thinking is not exclusive to elite athletes; anyone can benefit.
Calmness Is Overrated
ANXIETY IS INEVITABLE when stakes are high. Instead of resisting it, learn to embrace it. "Recognizing that significant performance moments often carry a degree of internal chaos is incredibly beneficial," McCann advises.
This perspective normalizes anxiety, diminishing its intimidating nature. By reframing pre-performance anxiety as "excitement," athletes can enhance their performance, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.
Moreover, shifting your internal dialogue from "pressure" to "intense" and "electric" can help, notes Michael Gervais, Ph.D., a performance psychologist for athletes and executives. Removing judgment allows individuals to rise to the challenges they face.
Everything Is Data
FOR ELITE ATHLETES, underwhelming performances are not merely setbacks; they are crucial data points for future improvement. "Olympians embody optimism," Gervais remarks. "They interpret situations as opportunities for growth." The more detailed the analysis of this data, the better equipped they are to enhance their performance.
McCann suggests reflecting on what went wrong: "Was it the outcome or the execution that dissatisfied you?" If the execution was on point but the result was lacking, external factors likely influenced the outcome. However, if execution faltered, there are numerous data points to analyze for future performances.
Sometimes Things Suck
THE OLD NOTION of brushing off disappointments is outdated. "Today's top performers are more honest with themselves than they were 25 years ago," Gervais states. "This honesty is fundamental to performance, as it allows for genuine growth rather than merely suppressing anxiety."
Gervais recalls his experience with the Seattle Seahawks during their contrasting Super Bowl experiences, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging emotions to unlock performance potential. Journaling can facilitate this honesty, fostering resilience for future challenges.
Not Training Is Training
Robert Andrews, L.M.F.T., a mental-training consultant for Olympic champions, asserts that while hard work is essential, an overemphasis on relentless effort can hinder success. Continuously pushing oneself without adequate recovery can lead to burnout and stagnation.
When advising athletes and executives, Andrews emphasizes the importance of finding fulfilling activities outside of their primary focus to recharge. He shares stories of athletes whose lives transformed by engaging in simple, enjoyable activities, like watching sunsets or enjoying meals with teammates.
It's Not About The Result
SUCCESS STEMS from creating a strong foundation for achievement rather than fixating solely on outcomes. For instance, a 1,500-meter runner should focus on a strategy that optimizes their performance, rather than worrying about their energy reserves at the finish line. "Establishing a plan that emphasizes positive actions increases the likelihood of success," McCann advises.
He highlights the significance of having actionable steps that can be executed regardless of external circumstances, reinforcing the idea that success is about commitment to a well-structured plan.