If you want to excel in your sport in 2013, put this book at the top of your Christmas list and start the New Year reading In Pursuit of Excellence: How to Win in Sport and Life Through Mental Training.
After four additions, I believe the author Terry Orlick has perfected his book. With each addition he manages to add new information but follows the same easy to read, interesting and entertaining format. His chapters are full of stories and examples.
Orlick explains the importance of consciously making the choice to excel. You have to want to succeed because it won't happen by mistake. In order to realize your dreams, you have to know what that dream is. You have to decide to go for it and want it badly enough to commit yourself to making it happen. These are the first and most important steps.
Orlick then leads the reader through a journey of self-discovery. He begins chapter five with a quotation from American author Herbert Otto. It feels like a dare: "Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life."
If you choose to take Orlick up on this challenge, you will work with him as he teaches you how to tap into your feelings, thoughts and patterns. He challenges the reader to identify areas of strength and aspects to improve. So, although it may feel tedious and painful, don't skip this chapter. Even if you are working with a coach, your coach will never know you as well as you know yourself. Besides, the better you know yourself, the better you can communicate with your coach.
Once you have discovered your strengths and weaknesses, Orlick spends much time on the importance of positive thinking, full focus and distraction control. He believes each of us has complete control over our own destiny, including how we perform in our sport. He doesn't promise the path will be easy but he does provide tools and strategies to overcome the inevitable obstacles and distractions that can to pull you away from your dream.
Finally, when all the work has been done and you successfully made it to race day, Orlick leaves nothing to chance.
Throughout the months and years of training, you will have practiced and perfected your race day actions and even your thoughts, starting from the moment you wake up until the moment you cross the finish line. Every negative thought will have a positive correction. Every misstep will have a counter move to quickly bring you back into the game. Every distraction will have a solution to keep you focused.
The following is a quote from Orlick's book. I made it my mantra while training for and competing in Ironman Canada 2009 and it continues to help me in business and in life.
"Choose to focus on the positives rather than the negatives.
Choose to focus on the opportunities rather than the obstacles.
Choose to bring a fully connected focus to your practices and performances.
Choose to focus fully on the step in front of you rather than the distractions.
Choose to live and perform closer to your potential."
Kristina Bangma is a coach, personal trainer and writer with a love of riding and racing. Email questions to [email protected].
