If you can get your mind right, you can be at your best. So, what does it take to get your mind right? It all comes down to focus.
Focus requires a quieted mind. Fear and distractions are two of the biggest culprits that rob us of the ability to quiet our minds and neither can co-exist with focus. They quickly become discursive thoughts that pull you away from being your best. That’s why we always strive to play or work in the absence of fear and distractions.
The Freedom of Focus
Focus flows from confidence and trust. When you have confidence in your preparation and abilities and trust in yourself and your teammates (on the field or in the office), then you’re freed up to be able to focus on what’s in front of you in the moment. And when you’re truly focusing, there’s nothing to worry about and nothing holds you back from being your best.
Confidence comes from the process of preparation — through practice and effective training, you gain an awareness and assurance of your ability. Confidence is connected to knowing the truth — truth about yourself and your abilities. And at the foundation of confidence, you’ve got to know who you are and what your philosophy is so you can operate from truth.
Confidence lays the groundwork for you to be able to trust yourself and the people around you, because you have seen the preparation and know that you and your teammates are ready to make the most of the opportunity in front of you.
Focus Training
Confidence and trust get your mind to the optimal place to achieve focus. When confidence and trust are working hand-in-hand, focus flourishes. You will have a knowing beyond all knowing that you’re going to be your best.
Training your ability to focus allows you to work, play, and perform like you’re capable. That’s all we can ask for! If we can simply perform like we’re capable, then we’re really hard to beat.
So when you’re focused, you’re at your best. And there’s nothing better than that.