Aspects of sport that we often discuss with students, athletes, coaches, parents, colleges, organizations, and other clients are connection and community. Being involved in hockey has allowed me to meet a variety of colleagues who become friends, and then, family.
If you don't have someone in your circle who wants you to succeeded as much as you do, then you don't know Coach Carolyn Williams. I'm fortunate to be able to have had the chance to work with Carolyn after attending a few high performance coaching seminars together. Her insights are meaningful, refreshing, and carefully crafted.
Sport success is determined in part by physical preparation, but also by factors such as confidence, motivation, concentration, energy management, and emotional control. You may have heard the Yogi Berra quote, "Baseball is 90% mental; the other half is physical." If mental aspects contribute so significantly to performance, then why not spend time training them?
When an athlete can compete with confidence and trust in their skills, they are able to perform in a state of flow. Even small adjustments in mental state can have huge impacts on competitive outcomes. When you're up against an equal or stronger opponent, your mental toughness might be the reason why you can edge them out.
And to top it off, when an athlete can compete with confidence and handle competitive stress, they are more likely to enhance their overall sport enjoyment. And if sports aren't fun, then why are we playing them?
- HeyCoachCarolyn, Carolyn Williams
In looking at stickers from her website, I'm enjoying the three I chose -- it's a great reminder to myself to enjoy the moment and appreciate present, the here and now.
-K