One of the most important elements in performance is the ability of the athlete to understand the road blocks that are sometimes set unknowing!  As we begin to understand the mental process of high performance, we realize that much of the time it is our ability to get out of our own way.  Yes, we need to understand that we stifle our own abilities by the self defeating thoughts and behaviors that undermine our performance.

In psychology there is something we call the self-consistency theory.  It basically means that we act consistent to our self-concept or self-image.  For years, we have all been around athletes that become their own worst enemy.  They are never satisfied and always find a reason to tear their performance apart whether that performance has been good or bad.  This becomes a major problem when playing a game that has its share of built in failure and is played by a TEAM!  The truth of the matter is we all have self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that undermine performance.  We will call them Gremlins, the little invisible creatures that prevent athletes from performing at their best. 

Here is the Gremlin Check-list:

• Fear
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Self-consciousness
• Perfectionism
• Stubbornness
• Lack of Motivation
• Competitiveness
• Distractions
• Persistence

The only way that we can stay positive and work towards consistency in performance, is by taking a look at ourselves and identify our gremlins.

“I worked very hard.  I felt I could play the game.  The only thing that could stop me was my self.”
Jim Abbott – All Star Major League Pitcher

“This ability to conquer one self is no doubt the most precious of all things sports bestows on us.”
Olga Korbut – Olympic Gold Medalist - Gymnastics

In sports, as in life, the first step to success is getting out of your own way!

Until next month,

Coach Candrea