Making the Commitment -"Sports Psychology for Dummies" #2

With a clear definition of mental toughness and a desire to enhance it, making the commitment to putting in the work needed to increase it is a vital step. Having seen what mental toughness looks like in action, (see "The Definition of Tough - 'Sports Psychology for Dummies' #1") assessing current levels of mental toughness and making a real commitment to "strengthening what's under the helmet" is necessary if one truly wishes to achieve peak performance. This type of commitment is not, however, a mere statement of intent. Rather, it is a dedication to improving oneself that is repeatedly demonstrated through personal action. Excellence isn't easy, so think of it as a gradual and long-term project. Opportunities to improve mental toughness present themselves many times a day, and it is in capitalizing on these opportunities consistently that long-term gains are achieved.
Also, plan to improve mental toughness in all areas, not just in regards to athletics. This will increase the frequency of opportunities to develop and practice mental toughness, and will create a "spill-over" effect, where mental toughness in relationships, school, and work will spill over into mental toughness in athletics, and increased mental toughness in athletics will spill over into the other areas of your life. Making a list of these kinds of opportunities is a great way to train yourself to recognize and capitalize on them. Here are some examples:

In athletics:

• Battling through an injury to make it back in the lineup
• Holding your teammates accountable to a high standard of excellence and performance
• Not giving up when you don't get a starting position
• Getting better despite not getting the minutes in games you would like to be getting

In school:

• Battling back to raise your grades after a low mark on a test
• Getting it done in the classroom and in athletics at the same time
• Standing firm to your personal beliefs, such as not using drugs and alcohol in the face of peer pressure
• Seeking academic help when you need it

In relationships:

• Saying something that's hard for another person to hear, but saying it with consideration and compassion
• Talking through your anger instead of ignoring it or repressing it
• Putting others first instead of being selfish
• Expressing your hurt or anger assertively and respectfully to your friend about what he/she did or said

These options are but a few of the possibilities that might be seen regularly to increase mental toughness. Making, keeping, and updating a personal list of opportunities is extremely helpful in keeping focused and committed to working at it every day. Achieving mental toughness takes time and dedication. Are you ready to make the commitment?

For more information on this topic, see chapter two of the book Sports Psychology for Dummies or call me at The Athletic Mind Institute, http://www.athleticmindinstitute.com/.