When I talk with teams and athletes about focus I want them to understand one simple concept, “its not that they’re not focused, they’re just focused on the wrong things!!” For example, remember all the dogs in the movie UP? They were constantly being distracted by “SQUIRREL!” I love this clip from the movie!
The dogs are so scatter brained that they allow their attention and focus to switch from the task at hand to “SQUIRREL!” What are the squirrels in your head during practice or the game that, due to your lack of mental toughness, you allow to derail and take down your game?
For most, these squirrels are negative thoughts, doubt, taunting from the other team, bad calls by the referee, actions of other teammates, past mistakes or thoughts of future results. When we allow our focus to be diverted to these things that are usually out of our control we take our eye off the prize. In a Golf Digest Article Michael Jordan says “My instructor, Ed Ibarguen, has me focus on a specific target before every swing. One of my biggest problems is, sometimes when I see water right I try extra hard to stay away from it. And what happens? You end up going right in the water. That’s because you’re focusing on the wrong thing.” So, like the dogs in the clip above we crash and burn! Remember, “it’s not that you’re not focused, you’re just focused on the wrong things.”
Start working on being aware of what you’re focused on both when you’re playing well and when you’re not. Then figure out how you can let it go. Next refocus on what you plan to do now and focus on what you have control over, your attitude, and focus on the task at hand. Lastly move forward trusting in your ability and your plan, PLAY!
Another important aspect of FOCUS is that you do not want to try to “block out” whatever it is that you’re allowing to distract you. Instead, when you will focus in on what you’re suppose to be doing, your plan for this play or your role at this moment, the distractions fade away because you are choosing to pay attention/focus on the right things! So stop worrying about the squirrels and focus in on what’s real, what you have control over; your attitude and effort and see how great you can become!
FOCUS IN! WORK YOUR PLAN! PLAY!
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