Succeed in Sports: 4 Ways To Focus On Your Goals

1. Identify your fears. Are you afraid to succeed in sports? Maybe you’re afraid of getting hurt when the athletic competition gets rough. Some teens tell of feeling overwhelmed just thinking about upcoming sports events, whether a football or basketball game or track or swim meet.
   
   If sports competition keeps you awake at night, talk openly to your coach or other adult. Talking openly about your fears may help in easing the tension and hesitation you feel.
   
   Also, remember that no one is perfect. As long as you apply yourself and work your hardest to be a contributing player on the team, no one can accuse you of not wanting to succeed in sports. If you can identify your competition fears, you will be less likely to let the obstacles of game time trip you up in the future.
   
   
2. Set personal goals. Personal goals are helpful when it seems you cannot move to the next level. Whether your time stays the same in swimming or track or you can’t break a losing streak in football or basketball, you can evaluate your personal goals periodically and determine what changes need to be made in how you practice and apply yourself.
   
   Here are some sample goals to consider:
   • Try to make all practices.
   • Work out on the weekend to keep strength and endurance up.
   • Get plenty of sleep each night so I’m not tired.
   • Eat a balanced diet to feel strong and healthy.
   • Do well in school so I’ve eliminated that pressure. These personal goals are easy to meet for most teens. Try to establish your own personal goals for your sports activity and check them off as you meet the goals.
   
   
   
3. Don't allow yourself to procrastinate and miss practice. It’s hard to be diligent in practicing—but the super athletes will tell you that “practice makes perfect.” While a new skill may seem impossible at the time, by working at it daily, you will accomplish it. Accomplishing new skills in sports can take you to the next level. In addition, you will be more confident in competing, if you’ve been consistent with your practice schedule.
   
   
4. Imagine yourself focused on your goal. It’s easy to focus on your goal if you use visualization or guided imagery. This is the process of creating a mental image of what you want to happen—such as where you want the ball to land or how fast you can run or swim at the next competition.
   
   By imagining the outcome of the event, you can step into the race (or game) and get that feeling you need to perform at your best. To practice mental visualization, try the following:
   • Get in a comfortable position in your room. Turn off all distractions and close your door.
   • Now, imagine yourself at your best game. Maybe this is going for a winning touchdown or hitting a tennis ball so your opponent misses it. Perhaps you are envisioning yourself at a swim meet, baseball or soccer game, volleyball game or shooting hoops.
   • As you explore your mental picture of you succeeding at your sport, imagine all the stress, worries and tension leaving your body. Take in all the sensory details of this accomplishment (what it feels like, the temperature at the event, the sounds you might hear) and continue to focus on your personal goal of success in sports.
   • After about fifteen minutes, slowly open your eyes and acclimate yourself to the surroundings in your bedroom. Stretch your arms and legs; gently move your head from side to side. Then the next time you’re at practice, remember this visualization practice. Re-create this image in your mind. Can it work for you?