Many athletes will be spending lots of time training now BUT only a small percentage of those athletes will be using their time wisely.

It is likely they will have thought about what they have done in the past, perhaps making a note of some statistics from the many apps available.  But will they actually change their approach to help themselves compete at a higher level, it’s unlikely!

NOW Consider these 2 questions

• When are you at your best?

In online seminars and programmes that I run I hear the following things said by athletes of all levels when they are at their best.  “I am absorbed in the process.” “Time stands still.”  “I have a quiet mind.” “I can see things much more clearly and make better decisions.”

Yes, there is a place for “technical” practice, it is a great way to iron out faults and improve your technique.  However, “process” or “being at your best” practice is also necessary if you want to take your training results into competitive arena’s.

• What is your job as an athlete?

Depending on your sport this will differ.  A 400m runner has to get to the finish line as fast as possible staying on the track.  A tennis player has to hit a small ball over the net, away from their opponent and in the court more times than their opponent.

It is worth considering how much time and effort you put into your training.  Consider how you train and try to replicate the challenges you face when you compete.  Even go as far as making training harder, much harder.  Giving yourself punishments should you not achieve your targets.  Much the same as Chris Paisley a European Tour golfer who talks about his pressure training here in the Demystifying Mental Toughness podcast.