Tiger Woods has reclaimed the #1 ranking in the world…again, after a long and difficult layoff that was fraught with controversy, personal difficulties, and injuries. Although many sports analysts doubted his return, Tiger Woods had the confidence in himself to know he would. Woods’ return to elite status is a testament to the process of achieving goals and going out each day to do the hard work that no one else sees.
For any athlete, whether competing at the highest level like Tiger Woods or just trying to make a high school team, success in competition is determined by the training that is done each and every day. Whether it be improving fitness and strength during the off-season or rehabbing from a season ending injury, the training process is often long and arduous which makes it difficult to maintain continued motivation.
So how do athletes push through the challenges that training, rehabbing, and improving skills present in order for them to be at their best in competitions? A key to maintaining motivation and focus is in the goals athletes set for themselves. Not just the long-term outcome goal of making the varsity team, winning a championship, or returning to play after six months of injury rehab, but the process goals that get them out of bed each day and keep them locked in on the present moment. Identifying what they want to accomplish each day and each week links their current behaviors to where they are trying to go long-term. Focusing on what they control each time they start a workout, such as their effort, energy level, and attitude, will help them get the most out of every training session. Tracking their efforts, and making it something they see every day, lets them know if they are making the progress they want and how to adjust their training when needed.
At the Center for Sport Psychology and Performance Excellence at the University of North Texas, we have a dedicated staff of sport consultants with the knowledge and skills to help coaches, athletes, and teams set appropriate goals and develop the mental tools necessary in order to overcome adversity and perform at a high level. For more information please contact us by phone or email. We leave you with our sport quote of the week:
"No matter how good you get you, can always get better and that's the exciting part."-Tiger Woods