Aspects of Peak Performance- Sport Psychology

My wife Christine has shared many great articles with me as she was getting her Master's Degree in Sport Psychology. Here's a great one:

Although peak performance at times may seem illusive, there are universal aspects of performing well. Loehr et al. (1995) found from research that athletes performing at peak levels are physically relaxed, mentally calm, and exhibit focused and flexible concentration, high energy, consistent motivation, and positive self-talk.

You might have experienced this yourself when you have been at your best. Sometimes it is referred to as "Flow" or "The Zone". Whatever term you use, when performing well in sports you most likely consistently develop the aspects mentioned above.

Csikszentmihalyi (1994) and Jackson and Csikszentmihalyi (1999) also state that peak performance is an altered state of consciousness where we experience performing without over analyzing. We just "flow" and react without getting caught between our ears. Because, in sports, often when we think we are then a second behind.

Csikszentmihalyi (1994) also found that peak peformance will contain aspects of playfulness, a feeling of being in control, concentration and highly focused attention, mental enjoyment of the activity for its own sake, a distorted sense of time, and a match between the challenge at hand and one's skills or confidence.

Peak performance in sports and other aspects of life has been actively researched for four to five decades. From this research we have the knowledge to enhance one's experiences throgh maximizing one's strengths and identifing one's weaknesses. We all can learn skills that allow us to be physically relaxed and mentally prepared even when competition and life get difficult.