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Bass Fishing Facts And More
Bass fishing has a fascinating history. It started in the late
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It probably was originally practiced in search for food among
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Gambling history of united states
Against the popular belief, gambling did not originate in the US. Most of the popular gambling games played in the American casinos have their origin in various foreign locales.
Heritage of gambling is somehow related to the Chinese culture....
How Power Play Golf Fitness Has Changed The Game
The sensational entry into the game by legendary golfer Tiger Woods, at the tender age of 20, introduced power play golf fitness into a game that had traditionally been looked at as a leisure sport where technique was much more important and...
How to Book a Fly Fishing Trip in 3 Easy Steps
Did you know that fly fishing is one of the most relaxing sports
around? Casting a line into a calm stream can be said to be one
of life's greatest pleasures. Fly fisherman can seem a bit
fanatic in their quest for the perfect river and the...
Keep Pounding--In Honor of Sam Mills
On Thursday, April 21, 2005, we buried a true NFL warrior who was an inspiration off the field and on the field. The man? Sam Mills, #51. The Monday before, Sam lost a 2 year battle with intestinal cancer. Not only did he leave behind his wife...
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Mental Skills-Adapt and Overcome
We have all heard the phrase “adapt and overcome” but when faced with a situation that challenges us it takes skill, practice, and discipline to implement this strategy. To adapt requires flexibility; to overcome- resolve. These skills are not necessarily innate, but can be learned and practiced.
A key mental skill of successful athletes is the ability to push on, even excel, despite obstacles, setbacks, and failures. A good example is Craig Walton, winner of Saint Anthony’s International triathlon. Craig entered his swim to bike transition only to find he had left his cycling shoes at home. Instead of giving up on the race he excelled. Cycling in his running shoes he caught the pack, passed them, and won the race.
Here are a few ways you can learn to adapt and overcome.
1.First identify exactly what you want and need out of a situation, and what is most important to you. Many athletes walk back to transition after having a flat that could have been changed in a few minutes and got them back into the race.
2.Do not get mired in the problem, look for solutions. Try to come up with several solutions to a given situation and then choose the best one. Focus on the solution and how to implement it; not the problem. What are the consequences of each decision?
3.Try to take emotion out of your decision making. It is easy to get frustrated, angry, and emotional but this really does not get you anywhere. Again, it causes you to focus on the problem and not find a solution or it may keep you from making the best decision. It also makes you look like you are not in control. I recently observed a racer screaming at an official to tell him where to turn (as he took the wrong one). If this person had just slowed down and listened he would
have heard the official tell him “left.”
4.Know your opponent. I encourage my age groupers to look at their opponents splits from last year to determine how well they paced themselves. This can help you determine when to attack and when to hold back. Sometimes minutes can be made up over your opponent simply by practicing transitions. Knowing how your opponent reacts to certain situations can work to your advantage as well. Usually when someone reacts emotionally instead of logically it will work to your advantage. Your opponent does not have to be a person it can be a race course or even yourself. The athletes that know and practice on the course they will race on have a clear advantage.
5.Show uncommon resolve. You have to believe that no matter what you will not give up or tire. Once you know this about yourself you will be more confident in your ability to adapt and overcome.
6.Don’t be afraid to make concessions. You may need to pull in the flats where you are stronger so that you do not get dropped in the mountains where you are weaker. You have to give in order to take. Try to give that which is least desirable in order to take what is most important to you.
There are many instances in which these skills will serve you as an athlete and in life. The next time you are faced with a difficult situation try using some of them. Often, just choosing and implementing a course of action will help you mentally as you begin moving through the problem.
About the Author
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt coaches athletes for CTS, is an Ultrafit Associate, and owner of www.thesportfactory.com
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