US Nationals is done and the US Olympic team chosen. One thing that Figure Skating is famous or infamous for is drama. Like it or not it is what brings viewers to the sport. Whatever your opinion on the decisions surrounding the Olympic Team selection, the bottom line is that each of these athletes has a story.
Everyone reading this , no matter what your story or where you want to go, you are people first, athletes second.
It is easy to let these two things get mixed up when you are striving for a goal that seems to take all of your energy for long periods of time like figure skating goals often do.
A strong mindset is cultivated, it is practiced and nurtured. There is no switch that you can flip to be able to “focus on one element at a time,” “be in the moment,” “enjoy the journey.”
Any adversity along the way serves to make us reach for something better, to learn, to seek help.
The new US Champion, Bradie Tennell has had her share of adversity. She also had a strong foundation of preparation and training consistency. The majority of skaters don’t have the opportunity to work with Olympic or National coaches, but that doesn’t mean they will never reach their goals.
You can learn how to prepare to skate your best in competition, to train for consistency. These are mental game techniques that can be learned.
Making the National or Olympic Team might be your dream. Understand there are many things along the way that are not under your control. This holds true for any goal: from graduating high school with honors to landing your triple lutz consistently, Here are a few tips for you.
- Focus on what you can control.
- Let the results take care of themselves.
- Know the reality, collect as much information as you can. Be aware of the process, anticipate pitfalls.
- Go into your journey with your eyes wide open. Make a choice to pursue your goal.
- The difference between a wish and a goal is preparation.
- Enjoy the journey.
Too many people dismiss this last one. It might be the most important one.
Imagine this: I spent 15 years of my life doing what I do on and off the ice and in my life for one chance at making the Olympic team. My chance comes, I skated my best, I placed at nationals, but I am not named to the team.
After the initial trauma and disappointment you look back at these 15 years. How do you feel?
A. I would do it again. I would have rather been named to the team, but I have no regrets.
B. I have just wasted 15 years of my life. It is so unfair. Blame this person, that person, this thing, that thing.
I’m not making light of this, and no, enjoying the journey will not make it easier.
But who would you have been if you didn’t try?
- Make your decision with your eyes open.
- Be in the moment. Laugh and cry and learn.
- Trust that your experience and what you learn along the way will make you the person you are supposed to be.
No one is perfect. We are all learning. This is why I work with students, because this mindset can be learned. It will serve you for the rest of your life.
Bradie Tennell has had a wonderful journey. Here are some mental game tips we can learn from her journey up to now:
To build a strong mental game you need to learn the techniques and practice them over time. You need to do this consistently, every day, on and off the ice. Over time this mindset will become natural. Then it will be there for you when you need it.
Imagine what it would be like if you knew you could turn out your best performance every competition? Mental game training will help you do this. Start your journey to worry free competition. Download “Confidence Myth Busters,” a complimentary eBook now!