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When you talk to top athletes and discover their secret for winning, what is the most common answer - Mental Toughness. But the question is "How do they learn to achieve this level of mental toughness?" When quizzed on what percentage of their peak athletic ability is contributed to physical versus mental attributes the answers may vary but one consist fact is revealed - the majority of their success is due to their mental training and their ability to focus on the "mental aspects of the game."
If mental toughness is so important to winning at the highest level of competition, why is little or no time spent by coaches in preparing athletes for this area of proven success? The majority of a team's practice is spent on the physical aspects of the game. Albeit, the ability to physically perform the fundamentals of any sport is the basis for becoming an elite athlete but those that understand and practice the mental components of their sport make it to the top 5%.
If you knew the steps to improve your mental toughness would you take the time and energy to perfect them? One of the best ways to focus your energy on the right attributes that will lead to the highest percentage of success is to understand how you rate in key areas. Dr. Robert Troutwine who has worked with elite athletes in many sports identified four factors.
Regardless of position or team, there are four "impact factors" Troutwine says the greatest athletes possess.
• Competitiveness or desire. "That's wanting to be successful, wanting to get better, wanting to win, wanting to do a good job."
• Stability. "It translates on the field into consistency, performing under pressure. A deeper attribute that feeds stability is emotional control -- so you don't get hysterical at every little setback."
• Good work habits. "It's not enough to just want to win or have high drive, you've got to have the commitment in work habits."
• Focus or concentration. "The ability to drown out the distractions, but also the ability to adjust to new situations."
Troutwine estimates that 5 to 7 percent of players he tests show exceptional ability in all four of these areas. He mentions Manning, James and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dexter Coakley as examples.
You can learn how you rank on each of these four areas and obtain a clear action plan on how to reach your full potential by taking the Troutwine Athletic Profile. Click here for more information.
Components of a Mental Conditioning
Program
Identifying your unique requirements provides the biggest impact to your sports performance. However, there are ways you can begin to improve your mental performance and here are a few suggestions on where to start:
- Autogenic Relaxation – autogenic also known as self-generated training has the
power to actually alter your neural pathways as you change your behavior. Autogenic
relaxation is a kind of self-hypnosis that enables you to root positive phrases and mental
images in your unconscious. It brings your mind and feelings into harmony with your body
as you take on and adjust to new behaviors.
- Visualization – visualization is your ability to imagine in your mind
certain situations. It not only includes visually seeing the events happening but also
allows you to feel like you are almost in the situation. All five senses are present in
the visualization including sound, smell, touch, etc. Visualization is a powerful tool
when used in a positive matter. However, in many cases athletes replay negative events
causing a negative effect on performance. The more vivid the visualization the more it
attaches to your memory.
- Affirmations – Affirmations are positive statements that you can use to replace
your negative mind-chatter. Using affirmations can be a powerful way to transform many of
your old attitudes and expectations into positive and vibrant ones.
- Neuromuscular coordination – muscle/brain imprinting through controlled
plyometrics, body and motor control training helps "train the brain" to react
naturally and unconsciously when brought into a real playing situation. Slow motions that
imprint movements that are consistent with the sport will improve overall efficiency.
For assistance or information on resources in the above areas, please contact us.
