Top 10 Questions Athletes Should Ask To Focus On the Process, Not the Outcome
By Michael Cerreto
Athletes often stress about how they perform, which can take the fun and achievement out of their sport. Athletes should concentrate more on the process than on results to do improve and stay motivated. Here are ten questions to help athletes change their focus:
What makes me love this sport? Consider whether the challenge, the passion for the game, or the social side gets you involved.
What do I love most about training and competing? Figuring out what parts of the sport make you happy can keep you interested and driven.
What are my personal goals and objectives in this sport? Setting personal goals that are not solely based on outcomes can help you focus on improvement and personal development.
What specific steps must I take to achieve my goals? Focusing on actionable steps rather than the result can help you make consistent progress.
How do I determine what tasks to focus on to support my training and goals? Setting priorities helps you manage your time and resources effectively, keeping you on track.
Am I ready to stick to my plan and stay disciplined? Staying committed and disciplined are crucial for concentrating on the process and making small but steady improvements.
How can I better handle setbacks and learn from them? Remember to stay strong and learn from your setbacks. Embrace that setbacks are normal and see them as chances to grow and become more resilient.
Am I prepared to make sacrifices for my sport? It's important to consider whether you will sacrifice for your sport. Understanding and being okay with the sacrifices needed can help you stay dedicated to the process.
Do I care about the lessons and personal growth I get from my sport? Focusing more on individual development rather than external rewards can help me enjoy the journey.
How can I deal with my negative thoughts when I fixate on outcomes? Asking yourself questions to challenge faulty, negative thoughts can help you maintain an optimistic, process-focused mindset.
By asking yourself these questions, you can develop a mindset that prioritizes personal growth and the journey instead of just focusing on winning or specific outcomes. This shift in approach can result in more satisfaction and ultimately improve performance.
References
Buck, M. (2023, August 24). 7 Strategies to Help Athletes Compete in the Present Moment. Retrieved from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/strategies-help-athletes-compete-present-moment-misty-buck
Cross Country Express. (n.d.). Excellence in Sports: Five Questions An Athlete Should Ask Themselves. Retrieved from http://www.crosscountryexpress.com/2010/04/excellence-in-sports-five-questions.html
TrueSport. (n.d.). 4 Questions to Change a Young Athlete's Negative Thoughts. Retrieved from https://truesport.org/performance-anxiety/4-questions-change-negative-thoughts/
