"Be mentally prepared." What does that mean?
Build great habits. Model intention toward excellence daily.
Block out distractions. What are distractions? Studies show that technology reduces other communication, concentration, and empathy.
- Relationship problems are distractions. "Be present for the task at hand."
- The phone, with series of texts or conversations, distracts. Some favor removing the phone on game day.
- Academics. Take care of business.
Adequate sleep is critical to physical and mental recovery. Lebron James sleeps TWELVE hours a day including naps. Adolescents should target at least eight hours of daily sleep.
Mindfulness. Professional and Olympic athletes have mindfulness coaching. Build mindfulness into our daily routine to improve attention, better sleep, reduce depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress hormones (cortisol).
Here's my favorite script, "Lion Mind."
Exercise, stretching, yoga. Everyone has limitations. Work on them and control what we can control.
Study. Take care of business.
Mental highlight reel. Make a difference. Prepare a 'highlight' reel of your success - family, education, athletics, coaching, work success. Include five items that made a difference in your life (13 second video)
Lagniappe (something extra). Focus on footwork (set captions to English)
