I took a mental toughness quiz the other day and found out that I wasn't as Mentally Tough as I thought. The surprise was why and where.
It became apparent that I don't anticipate and react to distractions that have occurred and keep recurring. I keep on doing the same things over and over and hoping for the best.
So instead I have decided to list my top TEN distractions and created a plan of action. Some of them I dont have real answers only ideas.
Please share what works for you.
1) Worry about a strong opponent
Remind yourself that all the pressure is on your opponent.
They are the player expected to win, not you.
Go into each match knowing you always have a chance to win, regardless of who you are playing against.
If you feeling overly intimidated by your opponent, instantly reduce the amount of eye contact you make with them during the match.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain
2) Loss in good form aka getting low scores scattering darts
Go back to basic building blocks of my throw. My aim, my tempo and simple focus.
Keep it simple ... build from there.
3) Loss in confidence in general
Face it don't ignore it.
Focus on you not others. Remind yourself that you have the ability, that you show it in your practice, other events.
This thing will pass.
Fake it till you make it.
4) Sudden loss of confidence when shooting at double. Self doubt.
Focus on the hole(aka George)
Ignore the distraction. Narrowly re-focus on one throw at a time.
You WILL hit this target just like you do day in and day out.
5) Worry / Fear
Re-shift on the present moment. Fill your thoughts to this.
Think about the next target ONLY this is the only thing we care about … the rest will fall into place.
6) Realizing that all you need to do is win ONE more game, hit that double, … Thinking of future.
Re-shift on the present moment. Fill your thoughts to this.
Think about the next target ONLY this is the only thing we care about … the rest will fall into place.
7) Hearing your opponent whine, complain, insulting your skills as he has been inflicted with bad luck.
Don’t look at him, turn around, fix your flight.
Focus on your game, your throw, YOU.
Stay in the moment of each dart. One dart at a time.
8) You realize what a fantastic streak of great throws you are having
Stay in the moment.
Put the brakes on the distracting thoughts.
One dart. One target at a time.
9) Getting upset...at drama caused by your own freaking Team mate or with yourself.
Calm down - meditation?
Breathing?
10) Poor venue
Practice in all sorts of environments. Noise, bright, dark, hot, cold, … remember that your opponent has the same venue and have faith that you are more prepared.
It became apparent that I don't anticipate and react to distractions that have occurred and keep recurring. I keep on doing the same things over and over and hoping for the best.
So instead I have decided to list my top TEN distractions and created a plan of action. Some of them I dont have real answers only ideas.
Please share what works for you.
1) Worry about a strong opponent
Remind yourself that all the pressure is on your opponent.
They are the player expected to win, not you.
Go into each match knowing you always have a chance to win, regardless of who you are playing against.
If you feeling overly intimidated by your opponent, instantly reduce the amount of eye contact you make with them during the match.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain
2) Loss in good form aka getting low scores scattering darts
Go back to basic building blocks of my throw. My aim, my tempo and simple focus.
Keep it simple ... build from there.
3) Loss in confidence in general
Face it don't ignore it.
Focus on you not others. Remind yourself that you have the ability, that you show it in your practice, other events.
This thing will pass.
Fake it till you make it.
4) Sudden loss of confidence when shooting at double. Self doubt.
Focus on the hole(aka George)
Ignore the distraction. Narrowly re-focus on one throw at a time.
You WILL hit this target just like you do day in and day out.
5) Worry / Fear
Re-shift on the present moment. Fill your thoughts to this.
Think about the next target ONLY this is the only thing we care about … the rest will fall into place.
6) Realizing that all you need to do is win ONE more game, hit that double, … Thinking of future.
Re-shift on the present moment. Fill your thoughts to this.
Think about the next target ONLY this is the only thing we care about … the rest will fall into place.
7) Hearing your opponent whine, complain, insulting your skills as he has been inflicted with bad luck.
Don’t look at him, turn around, fix your flight.
Focus on your game, your throw, YOU.
Stay in the moment of each dart. One dart at a time.
8) You realize what a fantastic streak of great throws you are having
Stay in the moment.
Put the brakes on the distracting thoughts.
One dart. One target at a time.
9) Getting upset...at drama caused by your own freaking Team mate or with yourself.
Calm down - meditation?
Breathing?
10) Poor venue
Practice in all sorts of environments. Noise, bright, dark, hot, cold, … remember that your opponent has the same venue and have faith that you are more prepared.
