Mastering Distractions in Sports for Young Athletes.

Young athletes often face a myriad of distractions that can hinder their performance. These distractions come in various forms, such as noisy spectators, nagging injuries, criticism from opponents, poor playing conditions, and negative attention. While these external factors can be bothersome, they are not the most significant challenges young athletes face.

Internal distractions, particularly the "what if" trap, pose a more formidable threat. "What ifs" are negative hypothetical scenarios that occupy athletes' minds before, during, and after competitions. These thoughts often revolve around fears of failure, letting down others, getting injured, making mistakes, or missing crucial opportunities.

The problem with "what ifs" is that they are future-oriented and rooted in fear. However, the present moment is free from fear and provides a clear focus on what needs to be done now to achieve success.

To overcome the "what if" trap, athletes can adopt a "what now" mindset. Instead of dwelling on hypothetical scenarios, athletes should focus on the present moment and what actions they need to take to achieve their goals. For example, a baseball pitcher facing a high-pressure situation can shift their focus from "What if I blow the save?" to "What now? Take a deep breath, focus on the catcher's signal, and execute the pitch."

By asking "what now," young athletes can quickly assess the situation, make a decision, and take action, keeping their minds engaged in the present moment. This shift in mindset can help athletes avoid the endless loop of negative thinking associated with hypothetical scenarios and instead focus on the task at hand.

Aliyah Boston, the WNBA's No. 1 overall pick in 2023, exemplifies the "what now" mentality in sports. She attributes her success to being true to herself and working hard to achieve her goals. By focusing on being dominant on the court and concentrating on the factors that contribute to peak performance, Boston embodies the essence of the "what now" mindset.

Young athletes can improve their performance by mastering distractions and focusing on the present moment. By adopting a "what now" mentality, athletes can overcome the "what if" trap and focus on what they need to do to succeed. Instead of worrying about potential failures, athletes should concentrate on their goals and the actions required to achieve them.

Stay resilient,

Coach Dave

Founder Flow State Mentality

P.S. If you want to work with us in any capacity, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1 - TOGETHER with Coach Dave. www.flowstateathlete.com/contact
2 - ON YOUR OWN with our monthly membership platforms. www.flowstateathlete.com
3 - FOR FREE on YouTube and our social media platforms.

• Our website is being worked on this week and some features may not be available.