Use Acronyms to Shape Your Mindset

We are making it through such a challenging time in our lives and sports careers. The uncertainty and discomfort we experience mentally each day as new information about our ability to compete presents a unique challenge for us to overcome. We certainly are discovering what being uncomfortable is like.
 
Many times, the way we understand how to proceed comes from the experiences we've had and the mental models we create. Acronyms such as the ones below can help us follow the right approach to the daily challenges we face in our sport training and performance lives. The way we package our mental approach to the game will help us feel more in control of what we know is right with the power we have. Here are some ways high-level athletes and teams I've had the privilege to work with organize their mindsets in their sport:
 
B.A.G.– pack your B.A.G. with the right tools that boost your confidence
            BRAVERY – be brave enough to take risks and believe in yourself even if you fail
            ACCEPTANCE – accept the situations and circumstances you can and cannot control
            GRATITUDE – turn every situation into an opportunity you are thankful to pursue
 
F.A.C.E.– bring your best F.A.C.E. when you show up with your team
            FOCUS – find the right focus and constantly refocus as needed on the team goal
            ATTITUDE – positive mental attitudes are more fun to be around
            COMMITMENT – show your grit and stick with the team goal
            EFFORT – always bring the energy you have directed toward the team goal
 
P.E.R.F.E.C.T.– redefine the way you think about P.E.R.F.E.C.T. play
            PROCESS
            EQUALS                       this is the main thing
            RESULTS

            FLUSH
            EACH                           this is the challenge where the mind can drift away
            COMPETING
            THOUGHT 
 
W.I.N.– the way you aim your attention to W.I.N. will determine the outcome of your energy and effort in each moment on every play
            WHAT'S
            IMPORTANT                the answer is always play present
            NOW
 
These are mental models we can use to perform more consistently with the right mindset in our performance for our teams. Take some time to sit with them and preview in your mind (a little mental imagery) how might you pack your BAG to prepare and show up with your best FACE while redefining the PERFECT way to WIN the next play. If you use these acronyms and own them, then you have an intentional framework from which to work.
 
 
Brian Alexander is a certified mental performance consultant through AASP and the mental skills coach for ODP and the men's senior national team. His mental training mobile app WellU Mental Training is an engaging mental training platform that helps athletes develop peak performance. 
 
Contact Brian through his website: www.athletementalskillscoach.com
Download the WellU Mental Training app and listen to the podcast: www.wellumentaltraining.com