Run it Back

05/29/24

In sports and in life everyone encounters experiences that you want to either relive or rewrite the results of an event, or some might say “run it back.” Anytime we “run it back” we are analyzing a successful or unsuccessful effort and use that evaluation to learn how to replicate or modify future outcomes.

 I want to highlight the importance of “running it back” with the intention of taking inventory of your mental game. When an athlete “runs it back”, the immediate assessment generally is attached to technique, environment, relational dynamics, or form connected to their performance. All of this will undoubtedly help an athlete grow. However, holistically addressing performance by evaluating the “success” of your mind during peak or plateau performances will give you an edge that can be applied to any high performing experience on or off the field.

Here are a couple practical ways an athlete can “run it back” to assess their mental game:

1.     Assess the quality of your thoughts regarding your performance?

a.     What were you thinking prior to your competition?

b.     How did you think about your competition or event?

c.     What did you think about yourself as a competitor?

d.     What thoughts aided/hindered your successful performance?

e.     What did you want to “think” more of during your competition?

                                               i.     How would that impact your performance and the way you think about yourself as an athlete?

2.     Assess the quality of your feelings regarding your performance?

a.     How grounded, calm and present did you feel prior, during, and after competition?

b.     How did you feel about yourself as a competitor?

c.     How confident did you feel in your ability to succeed?

d.     What positive or negative emotions were you feeling during the competition?

e.     What positive or negative emotions aided/hindered your successful performance?

f.      What do you want to “feel” more of during your competition?

                                               i.     What can you do elicit that feeling?

3.     Assess the quality of your actions regarding your performance?

a.     What behaviors did you engage in prior to the performance?

b.     What behaviors did think aided/hindered your successful performance?

c.     What behaviors do you think you would alter or repeat to improve your performance?

d.     What actions could you take that you haven’t tried but could potentially improve your performance?

While these questions are simple in nature, we shouldn’t overcomplicate the formula to achieving a winning mindset. The power of your mind is attached to the stories you are telling yourself that manifest in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Starting simple and small paves the path for sustained excellence. Change your mind, change your performance. Bigger picture change your mind, change your entire life!