We’ve all felt it. Those moments when everything is just working as it should. You’re in the “zone”, or in the “flow.”
Wikipedia tells us, “flow, also known as the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.”
When you are in the flow, you are operating at a peak performance level. It’s your mindset.
Getting to a peak performance mindset takes a certain kind of focus and approach. You can’t force yourself into the ZONE. You have to keep your focus on what you’re doing, relax and let the performance come to you.
Winning, getting a certain time, beating a specific opponent, or achieving your outcome goals in this competition requires the understanding that the more conscious you are of your goals, the less chance you’ll have of achieving them. And the more your focus stays in the moment on what you’re doing so that your goals are not on your radar screen, then the greater chance you’ll have of actually achieving them.
When athletes at any level perform to their potential, one common characteristic of their mental state is a “quiet mind.” These players perform with very little conscious thought. Instead, they have the experience of “being on automatic” and letting the game come to them. When this happens, an athlete’s unconscious mind or muscle memory takes over and directs their performance. The result is a flow experience sometimes referred to as “the zone.” Thinking is helpful in assessing performance during or after practice, in reading and studying, or in setting goals or strategizing plays, but it should be avoided like the plague during competition!
Competition is starting in some areas around the country, but not yet in others. If you need some assistance staying mentally sharp, check out: https://competitivedge.com/overcoming-sports-fears-and-blocks/
