The reality of life today is that a lot of our time is being impinged and demanded upon in ways which were not the case a few decades ago. The amount of technology which has infiltrated our daily existence is massive. Much of it is amazing technology.
Phones, iPad, watches and apps for almost any occasion; measuring nearly anything we wish to measure. Sleep, breathing, running, walking, heart rate as well as blood pressure …. and the list goes on and on. This is fantastic and very useful stuff however it is also very distracting and over stimulating to our minds and bodies.
Elite sports is an arena where technological advances have significantly impacted the way in which sport is trained as well as played. GPS tracking devices that are strapped on or sown into players jerseys, multiple camera recordings and microphone access all now play a crucial part in what players are exposed to. Social media is a massive part of all games and is also another level of access that players and teams have to contend with and remain on top of.
So how do top level athletes manage through all of this? By using sports psychology principles and techniques.
So, if these principles help elite athletes, can they also be used in your daily life? The answer is yes.
Sports Psychology Techniques For Non-Sportsmen
Reflection
Honesty is very important for reflection. The sportsperson needs to identify – as well as capture -strengths and weaknesses to control their performance. Via creating a list and scoring (out of 10) where an athlete is now and where they want to get to it is possible to focus mental energy and direct training, development, and growth. Having a good understanding of what has to be improved makes it possible to increase the perception of control and begin creating motivating, action-focused goals.
Utilise Emotion To Increase Motivation
Sports psychologists find that emotional mostly influences motivation. Athletes are the most motivated in order to practice when there is a high-stakes championship coming up. The emotional push from wanting to win assists (at least in the short-term) to motivate them to work harder. Non-athletes can utilise this to help them, too. Thinking about how it will feel to accomplish a goal can encourage a person work harder.
Focus On What You Can Control
You just have control over yourself, your own actions and attitudes — nothing more. Make sure that you keep your focus here. If you concentrate on outcomes (things you have no control over), you’re creating anxiety that isn’t necessary. Focus on the process and you then increase the likelihood of positive results taking place.
Develop Discipline
For long-term training programmes, athletes work best when they develop a disciplined training schedule. The most significant aspects of discipline are consistency and practice. Off the field, people are better able to attain their fitness, health, and other goals through developing a set of habits and then sticking to them.
Use Cue Words
Cue words are simple words and phrases which remind you of your focus points. Repeating words and phrases – such as relax, play hard, or quick feet – will remind you to concentrate on what you need to do. If your mind is concentrated on your cue words, your body will follow suit.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
Do you want to become a sports psychologist? If you do then you need to do our Sports Psychology Course. Follow this link to find out more.
