Sports Psychology Seattle
psy·chol·o·gy
n.[sahy-kol-uh-jee]
- The science that deals with mental processes and
behavior.
- The emotional and behavioral characteristics of an
individual, a group, or an activity.
Source:
The
American Heritage® Stedman's Medical
Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin
Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin
Company. |
The quality of your performance is
determined by the quality of the communication you
have...with yourself.
How do you do accomplish this?
There are countless works on Sports
Psychology. Should you be devoting your
every spare waking minute to reading these in order to
become more proficient in your mental game? Of course
not.
Having spent countless hours myself in these
works, allow me to summarize what I believe is the framework
for you to be able to use your mind to achieve your potential
in your sport.
First, let's get a meaning for the word "mind."
Most folks use the word "mind" interchangeably with "brain."
This is completely not true. Most scientists would also include
the entire nervous system in the functions of the "mind." More
recently, even more neurologists and others in this field are
concluding that the entire body is part of the mind. From my
studies, I agree with that.
Next, the larger concept you should
understand is the idea of the "duality" of our mind.
This suggests that our mind functions on 2
levels, The Conscious and
The Unconscious (or Subconscious).
The Conscious Mind functions
are to: look, listen and to learn. It does all the analyzing,
criticizing, reasoning and judging. It has the responsibility
to accept or reject any thought or idea.
The Unconscious Mind,
conversely, is irrational and makes no decisions. It only acts
on what it is programmed to do by instinct, genetics, habit, or
repetitive thought. It's main functions are to run and preserve
the body, store memories, regulate emotions and energy,
maintain perceptions and filters, and all automatic
functions that you never have to think about.
Once you understand the differences, you can
begin the work of dealing with your issues and installing new
belief systems that put you on track to achieve your
goals. Many athletes (and most average folks) are never
even exposed to this possibility their entire life and go about
their daily routine always wondering why they just can't change
the things they want in their life. They just keep repeating
the same patterns over and over.
These thoughts, patterns, and habits generally
reside at that unconscious level of the mind. There are many
ways to get to this storehouse. Sometimes, it could be that
your coach just happens to say the right thing at the right
time and then something clicks or jells inside of you.
You then have a different way at looking at
events, situations, and yourself such that the emotions and
feelings come up that allow you to find your zone.
I have identified mental tools and
techniques that all top athletes have in common that you will
learn to apply in your life and on the field. In our sessions
together, we will utilize many sports
psychology principles and tailor them to your unique
personality in order to get you to the next level.
I have studied and partnered with Dr. Tom
Kubistant on mental game products for athletes. He is one
of the pioneers of sport psychology having devoted his
practice entirely to sport since 1971 working with thousands of
professional and Olympic athletes since then. I am very
proud to call him a mentor and my clients also receive the
benefits of his teachings.
Call for an appointment
425-457-7777
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