Step 2 - Find the roadblocks
The next step is to identify the situations that are your recurring distractors.
During each game, whether a practice game, or after a competition, make a note of the things that made you lose focus. Make sure you work out what the catalyst was. If you made a mistake when you know better, you will always find the distraction that took you mind off the ball.
It could be something internal - like a thought (eg. “I can believe I made that bid!”), a feeling such as anger at something your partner or opponents or teammates did, or a sensation that your performance is decreasing?
It could be something external, like another player being obnoxious, a unexpected card hit the table, your partner throwing his cards on the table.
Also try to make of note of how were you feeling just before the distractor appeared? Tired? Anxious? Focused?
You may get a long or short list. If it is very short, consider that you have not tried hard enough.
Once you have this list, prioritise the sources of distraction - Take the top 3 to 5. (Any more that than, and you will drown) and especially any pattern you noitced in how you were feeling just before the distractions got to you
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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Another excellent blog about the mental appoach of Bridge, as well as sports and life in general. It's good to keep track of what things are causing distractions that hurt your performance. This way, you can learn from your mistakes and prevent the distractions next time.
ReplyDeleteKen Gustafson