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Psyching Up
You have probably heard the phrase “psyched up”. This is a term applied to a sensation of excitement and when highly motivated to perform an act or action. This is actually a level of stress caused by anticipation which releases adrenaline into your system increasing alertness.
To achieve peak performance, be it physical or mental, you need to be motivated and regard the event as a challenge.
To a competitive person, a challenge (and the desire to succeed – the motivation) arouses senses.
A problem occurs when:
There are several techniques to aid psyching up. Broadly speaking they include:
Visualisation: you might picture yourself performing with excellence, imagining the buzz you get from success. Create a fear of loss by imagining your opponent beating you – no matter how good they are.
Suggestion: describe your positive self, confirm your capabilities and the level of excellence to which you insist on playing.
Focus: learn to center and focus your thoughts, remove all distractions from your mind and confirm the serious purpose for your attendance.
Goal Setting: skilful goal setting will motivate you. If your opponent can’t challenge you, set your own personal goals.
Psyching Down
It is possible to get too psyched up or ‘hyper’ because of over-enthusiasm or worry. Over excitement is often the result of poor focus, thinking about the wrong things – the event, the thought of winning or simply having fun with your friends.
There is an optimum level at which you will perform at your best, so whilst it’s necessary to learn how psych up, it’s equally important to know how to reverse the process when needed.
Techniques such as Centering and Focusing on Breathing will help. |
