Olympic athletespush their bodies to the limit.
Which, of course, they do.
But being an elite athlete is not just a physical feat.
Courtesy of Colleen Hacker
To perform at the top of their game, professional athletes spend time training their brains, too.
The physical differences between athletes or teams at the elite level are almost negligible, she says.
What separates out the good from the great and the great from the greatest is often that psychological component.
Hacker and U.S. Women’s Hockey Team player Hilary Knight
I give them practical techniques that work in real situations.
For example, I might read a scholarly research article on mindfulness practice.
Assuming the study had positive results, Ill translate those findings into a succinct phrase my athletes will remember.
Then theyre ready to listen to some techniques I have forpracticing mindfulness.
A:Anxiety is an inside job, so its important to understand that you are generating it.
you’re able to be taught to manage it, but wedont want to get rid of butterflies.
We want to teach them to fly in formation.
Being anxious and nervous just means you care.
it’s crucial that you reframe anxiety as normal, then gain control by focusing on the present.
One way to do that is by focusing on your breathing.
I teach clients a four square breathing exercise.
Place your hand on your belly to facilitate deep belly breathing.
Pause for two counts.
Repeat three more times to complete the square.
Most people are surprised at how ephemeral confidence is for elite athletes.
It’s not just something you have.
A:Be where your feet are.
I always tell my athletes to be in the now.
That means only 10 percent of our time is in the here and now.
Having that self-awareness is the first step.
