Sunday, February 3, 2013

Mental Toughness

Okay so I know haven't posted but here is the first podcast I have listened to. This was about choking when something big such as winning a big match comes up. This happens in every sport whenever pressure arises on winning something but this can be applied to education as well such as test taking. We all have had that one test where we had to study super hard and you knew everything there was to know about it before the test but as soon as it is handed to you your mind goes blank. Everybody chokes on something at one point in their life whether it is on a test or you're playing a big game. In order to combat this there are three skills that can be effective in order to help this. One skill is effective visualization. You must picture yourself completing the task at hand with the best possible outcome, don't picture yourself at rock bottom or else that is where you will end up. Have a positive outcome, have that chip on your shoulder like I've been here and done this and can accomplish the task at hand, I know the material required and can beat this thing. A second skill is positive referencing, think back on when you doing those flashcards and got all of them right, or when you aced the quiz that came right before this major test. Emotions shouldn't dictate so that you have a bad feeling about what is about to happen. Having positive emotions boost your confidence in that you know you can do this. Lastly is self belief. Self belief ties in with the second skill as it has to do with emotions somewhat. remember back to how you figured out how to accomplish that A on the quiz and then apply it. Apply what you learned and hold yourself accountable. Don't blame the teacher because you "weren't" taught something or it's "their" fault you didn't understand. By visualizing effectively, looking back to positive references, and having self belief, one should be able to beat "choking" and accomplish whatever is at hand.

Hope I did this right, not quite sure how to write about it. Sorry about it being a little lengthy!