In anything, sport or business, if you want to get to the top of your game, studying those at the top can give you a lot of great information. Although many elite athletes work with experts on their mental game, the general public doesn’t usually hear about it. It leaves the wrong impression about mental game. Young athletes need to know that mindset doesn’t come automatically, it takes attention and consistent work.
One thing that high achieving athletes have in common is consistency. They recognize that consistency is essential in order to compete at the highest levels.
They train consistently on the ice each day.
They carry that consistency into competition.
They work toward a consistent mindset. One that allows them to reach excellence in sport and in life.
Earlier this year, Patrick Chan (Canada) shared that when he returned to training, he had problems with jump consistency. He believed that his mindset was the problem, so for the first time in a very successful career, he is working with an expert on his mental game.
Chan is training for the 2018 Olympics where the men’s field is full of quad jumps. Missing those jumps recently cost him a spot on the podium at Skate Canada.
He said that in the past, when he skated well he couldn’t tell you exactly how that happened. But after starting to “explore the psychological side of competing,” things have become clearer. He has become more aware of what he does to skate well instead of just guessing.
Many would be surprised that Patrick Chan would start working on his mental game for the first time. After all, his career includes an Olympic silver medal and 3 World Championships. However it makes a lot of sense to me. Patrick Chan is a champion, with a champion mindset. When Chan started his career, mental game training was not as prevalent as it is now. Young athletes have a chance to start early and establish the right mindset needed for success.
A champion mindset is one that:
- Learns and grows.
- Has clear goals.
- Has a plan.
- Gets prepared.
- Takes action.
- Embraces challenges.
- Makes mistakes.
- Let’s go of the past.
- Stays in the moment
- Makes improvements.
- Knows when to ask for help.
A champion skater needs physical, technical and mental consistency. Many skaters focus all their attention on the first two. And hope and pray for smooth sailing on the mental side of things.
In the end, a strong mindset separates the best from the rest.
We wouldn’t be at this level if we couldn’t meet the physical challenge, but to be at a higher level, the top of the top, is to master the whole brain side of it.– Patrick Chan
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!