Perceptions Shape Performance

I’ve written about this before but it’s something that’s been on my mind lately. Our performance is dictated by the way we perceive the different situations that arise in a game. Why is it some players perform with the game on the line while others consistently come up short? Why is it you might be able to hit well with the bases empty but with runners on you aren’t able to come through? Why is it some players bounce back from adversity quicker and easier then other players do? Quite simply, each player perceives situations and events differently. The trick is to recognize which perceptions are limiting you and then changing your perception to one that empowers you to succeed. When you strike out do you see that as something bad? Or, can you change that perception to see that strikeout as an opportunity to learn about the pitcher you’re facing? How do you perceive pressure situations? Do you see the situation as a fun, exciting opportunity or do you see it as a stressful situation where if you don’t succeed you’ll let the team down? Whatever situation arises you must understand that how you perceive the situation will dictate your ability to perform. If you understand that the mind controls the body, and you understand that in order to perform that you must put your mind in the best possible position to allow your body to execute mechanics then you’ll do whatever you can to make sure that you are not limiting what you’re capable of by perceiving situations negatively.

So how do we do this? It all goes back to the questions you ask yourself in your head. When you strikeout and you ask yourself, “What did I do wrong?” You are putting yourself in a disempowering state. You are replaying negative events in your mind making it more likely for those events to repeat themselves. Instead change the questions you ask by asking, “What can I learn from that at-bat?” “What adjustments can I make?” Doing so will change how you feel about the event and ultimately change your perception and change your performance. When you come up with the game winning run on secondbase and two outs in the ninth inning just change your perception. Instead of seeing it as a stressful, pressure packed, all on your shoulders situation, look at it from a positive stand point. Tell yourself that getting the game winning hit will be fun and that these are the situations you live for and the reason you play the game. What you’ll notice is the pressure is reduced, you’re able to enjoy the situation more, freeing your mind to perform.