What does this look and feel like at the highest level and how does one get there?
Access to Peak Performance training involves the ability to determine where your focus is directed at a given moment and where it needs to be to achieve peak performance. Performers invariably find that they may be concentrating quite intently, but often they are concentrating on an inappropriate target. This target might be the desired outcome which is a common pitfall. For example, the conversation in their head might sound like this:
"I hope I win this match. I really need to win this one, because then my ranking will jump."
Performers often get consumed by this monologue and it becomes a major distraction from the performance itself. Of course we want to win and succeed - it is human nature.and it is important to have this intrinsic desire. but when it takes over, it negatively affects performance in the most powerful manner. By contrast, if one is focused on the execution and the process that is necessary to achieve the desired outcome, the result takes care of itself.
Another common example of inappropriate focus is when one is fixated on a problem, rather than a solution. You see, whatever you put your attention on is exactly what you will get. If you have your focus on the problem at hand, you will get more of the problem. For example:
"Don't spill that drink!"
This will turn your attention onto exactly what you are trying not to do. Your mind does not know the difference between "do" and "don't". It only hears the key words, in this case " spill the drink ". All of a sudden you have an image in your head of the drink spilling and sure enough.you guessed it - it spills! What if instead you replaced the thought with:
"Take care of this glass!"
You can already imagine that this would be an entirely different experience of holding the drink. Your attention would be on the solution, not the problem.
So the question is "What do great performers have their attention on?"
They are focused on the process, the execution of particular skills, as well as the joy/excitement of performing and competing. Most of all, they are in the PRESENT, in the here and now - and they get back to the present moment in the face of all the distractions, triumphs and disappointments that exist in the world of competition. Make no mistake: they have an unwavering desire to win that is ever-present, but this EGO is secondary to staying present, skill-mastery, execution, process and excitement.
Contact shaheen@rice.edu for details on attentional focus/concentration training and consultation.
