The environment in which performance occurs usually is not the environment where we spend the majority of our days. Elite performers must train in uncomfortable environments and push themselves outside their comfort zones again and again until it becomes comfortable.
Water polo is one of the hardest sports in the world—which is why training the right way isn't easy, either.
But if you love the game, you need to master your craft—both in the pool and out of the pool.
One of the ways to master your craft is through orientation, and it consists of two dimensions: Ego orientation and high/task mastery orientation. And both are necessary.
With ego orientation, you set your aspirations and expectations upon being better than other players or teams. Your goals could be becoming the best player, earning awards, making the team, or gaining the most recognition from your coach. But if you focus only on this type of orientation, there's a drawback since much of your desired results are out of your control. Athletes basing their confidence on this orientation also will find less consistency in their confidence and more rides on an emotional roller coaster. The high and lows tend to occur quite often with too much ego involved.
On the other hand, if you balance your ego orientation with a high task/mastery orientation, then you're headed in the right direction. Operating through a mastery focus will give you tangible tasks and measurements of improvement to track. This mindset gives you things to work on day in and day out with targets of improvement and an emphasis on the quality of your work ethic. Plus, athletes who visualize (and use imagery) away from the pool regarding improving their shooting technique, defensive positioning, counter-attack speed, or passing fundamentals tend to find more stability in their emotional response to failure or nervousness about success happening. Using this skill can help you redirect moments of failure as learning opportunities as you pursue mastery.
As mentioned, both orientations are needed to get the most out of yourself. Ego orientation helps jump start a competitive mindset toward the way you play. But the high task/mastery orientation helps you decide where to direct your intensity and effort so you gain the most satisfaction and return on your investment of energy. Loving the game fuels your motivation to continue to explore your competitive side and capacity to improve skills.
Remember that the greatest value from playing water polo won't be what you earn—but rather what you learn.
