In life and in sports, it’s always important to think ahead and be ready for the future.
What are you doing to be ready for the next play? Do you let a mistake compound into multiple mishaps? Or, do you rebound quickly and get back on track?
Here are five tips on how to be ready for the next play and be thinking two steps ahead at all times. Enjoy.
- Emphasize work ethic. Everything else will fall into place if you just focus on your own effort. Don’t take shortcuts and always ask yourself, “Do I deserve victory?”
- Simulate the real thing. Practicing and preparing under chaotic environments will come in handy come game time. Be ready both mentally and physically for the true test. This will allow you to be mentally tough and bounce back if anything goes awry.
- Avoid double errors. In basketball, it’s okay to miss a layup, but you better sprint back on defense afterwards. If you let one mistake turn into multiple, that shows mental weakness. Stay focused and put your initial mistake behind you. How do you quickly get back on track?
- Be exceptional. The three main things you can focus on are: effort, work ethic, and attitude. If you are exceptional in these three things, you are setup for success and will be ready for adversity. How are you becoming exceptional?
- Mental rehearsal. You can use mental imagery to envision yourself being successful. What do you see yourself doing in your upcoming game or task? If you are able to stay focused, you can avoid double errors and always be at your best.
About the Author: Coach Jim JOHNSON is one of Your Monthly Mentors, an author and authority on teamwork, leadership, and realizing your dreams. Based in Rochester, New York, he is most famously known for helping an autistic senior, Jason McElwain (J-Mac), realize his dreams and play with his basketball team. Jason scored an amazing 20 points in 4 minutes during that game. Coach Jim Johnson has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, and ESPN and is the author of the book “A Coach and a Miracle: Life Lessons From a Man Who Believed in an Autistic Boy”. Read More…
Subscribe to The Teen Mentor to have more awesome articles like this sent straight to your inbox.