Winning is a powerful experience for any athlete. It often enhances confidence, positivity, and self-worth; however, what athletes often overlook the most is losing.
Losing is something that no athlete wakes up and wants before competing, but when managed well it can be the biggest part to any athlete's success.
Michael Jordan stated it best with his famous quote: “I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
So, does this mean that athletes should go out there and lose to improve? Absolutely not. However, when losing occurs the most powerful thing that an athlete can do is focus on new discoveries within 24-hours after a poor performance has occurred. This is because of the limited retention that our brains have also known as “short-term” memory.
By focusing on new discoveries, such as what he or she could have done better or differently, the athlete is able to develop a much deeper understanding for his or her game. This consistent mental routine will help the athlete build confidence over time while lowering anxiety.
The end result is that he or she will be able to approach each game with a plan; a plan that gives the athlete a deeper personal insight on his or her specific needs for more consistent success in competition.
To read more from Patrick Albán B.S., M.S., visit goSPMI.com.
Mental Training: The First 24 Hours
