Even though as an athlete you already know that technique is essential for performance, many sport performances tend to be evaluated according to the outcome (‘the product’) associated with their performance—things such as place, time, and score.
Consequently, the normal tendency is to focus on the end result…’the product’. In training, as well as competition, numerous athletes pay way too much attention to ‘the product’ associated with performance instead of precisely what is required in order to get there (the process connected with performance).
For instance, sprinters might generally worry about how quickly they ran a competition rather than focusing specifically on correct “stroke” performance. Lifters might be focused on just how much weight they lift and give minimal attention to the way the weight was lifted. Also, golfers probably are going to be focused on exactly how close the ball lands near the hole rather than the motion of the golf swing that is responsible for getting the ball moving towards the hole.
Almost everyone would certainly concur that in the end the product or outcome associated with performance is essential, correct?
But I want to ask you, exactly what do you really control?
To improve your overall performance, exactly what can you influence?
Are you able to impact the product by concentrating on the process?
In a nutshell, the reply to this previous question is “Yes.” The rest of this article will deliver methods to enhance ‘the product’ of your performance through concentrating on the process.
In sprinting, as with numerous sports, technique is so very important to performance. Proficiency in the process of motion, regardless of whether it’s the stride, lifting weights, or even practicing running, leads to improved performance, along with a reduction in the possibility of injury. Nevertheless, to perform quicker, you can’t simply concentrate on the time you’d like to run the race.
Rather, you have to focus on improving your technique as well as your physiological capabilities.
Similarly, to enhance your score in golf, you have to concentrate on improving the particular mechanics of your swing such as your grip, body position, and body rotation, but not shooting par. To put it simply, you have to concentrate on the process instead of the results.
Given the above-mentioned examples, it ought to seem sensible that by concentrating on the physical process you are able to enhance the end result of the overall performance.
While most are well aware of this, it is not always easy to do.
As previously mentioned, because you and others evaluate your performance based on the end result, you are often “drawn” to the outcome of performance. But, to improve performance, energy and effort must be directed to the specifics of the process.
Below are a few methods you can put into action to help you tackle the process of improving athletic performance and ultimately the outcome.
• Established Process Connected Objectives. It's alright to create an objective to place in the top three or swim a particular time. Yet, along with this outcome-related objective, you must set other goals that let you know what you should do to execute well—these goals ought to be connected with the process of performance. For instance, if you are a swimmer, your main goals might be to remain streamlined off the wall, as well as to maintain a particular stroke rate for the initial 75 meters of a race.
• Use Imagery to Focus on and Enhance Technique. Athletes often use imagery to prepare for an upcoming competition by seeing and feeling “success.” That is a great use of the mental skill of imagery. But, imagery is also a mental skill that is of immense value to technique enhancement. Imagery can be used as an additional form of practice to master a certain skill. For example, prior to swimming, mentally rehearse swimming with correct technique—see and feel efficient stroke execution to reinforce the process of swimming.
• Keep Your Self-Talk Centered on the Process. Talk to yourself concerning what you ought to do to execute well. Bolster in your mind what you have to do to accomplish your performance objective, which is for a swimmer, to swim 100 meters in 1:05. Remind yourself you need to explode off the blocks, push through each and every stroke, work your kick, as well as remain in a tight and streamline position off the walls. If you choose to do this, the outcome you desire is going to be there. Focus on the processes which impact the end result.
• Assess Your Performance According to the Process. When analyzing your overall performance, steer clear of the inclination to determine how you did by focusing exclusively on your time or place. Rather, evaluate components of your swim performance such as your start, your turns, or even the stroke rate you held. Analyzing the process lets you know what you should do in order to enhance ‘the product’ and provides you with a target for upcoming training sessions.
Focusing only on the outcome of performance is actually to be expected, as it provides you with an objective way of measuring how you did relative to yourself and others. Nevertheless, to improve your overall performance, you have to deal with the process—that is, what do you have to do to perform effectively? This isn't always an easy task. However, should you put into action the above-mentioned methods, they will assist you in focusing on the process associated with performance, which will consequently improve the end result.
