Focus on Factors, not skills
For increased creativity and longevity in the field
QUOTE
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change”
- Anais Nin
OBSERVATION
Focusing on skills limits our impact
Mental skills are an essential part of schooling and are quite fun to teach (even for as much as I may share thoughts on the shortsighted nature of our field). The challenge is when we package our approaches solely on these skills, there really aren’t that many. Imagery, Self-Talk, Goal-Setting, Focus, Confidence and Motivation (if you consider these last two skills). So, even with a periodization approach it can only go so far. It leaves us feeling stuck after a while, even if you compliment it with some form of mindset education like organizations such as the military do.
However, factors can help us gain a bit more flexibility and options for extended creativity.
ACTIONABLE IDEA
Look into factors that impact performance
Factors can represent a few different things to us, but most importantly it can help create a style, while also allowing us to expand our skills training. For example, factors such as cognitive fatigue, readiness, flexibility, are areas we have probably all heard of. These are examples of factors. Within these factor areas, we can now organize various skills to promote growth in them. Pillars if you will. Use the exercise below if you are feeling stuck with content:
Two Approaches to start identifying factors
Start with your philosophy and clearly define elements that performers need to achieve excellence (those are your pillars) and then align skills to promote growth in them
If you are brand new to the field, this is simpler - I’ll just share a few core needs:
Self-Regulation: Attention, Motivation, Energy/Stress Management (All things to help with focus, arousal, and day to day decision-making)
Social-Regulation: Empathy/Trust, Support, Communication (All things necessary to address team dynamics and social influences)
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MENTAL PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE
Looking for more focused support?
Tailored learning paths. Monthly lessons + coaching support options + library of curated resources. All designed around your goals and begins with an assessment to build the path.
TAKE THE ASSESSMENT AND BUILD YOUR PLAN
Thanks!
Russ