Why is it that so many people in an outside of sports, agree that their "mental" game is important and could be improved and yet…do NOT formally develop their mental skills?

There are two very important points I'd like to make about the "mental" game no matter what your arena of performance:

1. The "Mental" game is NOT separate from the rest of your game.
Top performers understand that their performance is not a separate "act" from their mind and their emotions. They realize that it's ALL CONNECTED and there is no way to separate them. So many players delay there own success by not developing this part of their performance and treat it as if it's something that's separate from what they are doing now.

2. You are already being influenced by your "Mental" game!
That's right! Because there is no way to separate the mental game from your actual performance, you are already under the influence of the mental keys playing out in your game. If you're not developing these keys than they might be running you instead of you running them! Either way, they are already in play!

After speaking to hundreds of athletes over the years I've identified 3 common reasons that players don't pursue developing their mental skills even though most agree "they are important". They are:

1. "I don't want to be psychoanalyzed.
This might be true if you're talking to someone whose focus is on clinical psychology or psychotherapy. The Wired To Win program is not about clinical or vague psychological rhetoric. It's about the principles of mind/body/performance and how they are unavoidably related to success.

2. "Just playing the game is enough".
Many players think just playing the game will be enough to improve their mental keys. For some this may be true but for most, playing the game does not mean becoming more aware of the existing mind/body principles, mental keys or provide forward moving strategies to strengthen them.

3. "I know this stuff so I should be doing it already!"
Many players already have knowledge about the "mental" game or what they need to do to improve. However, they do not have the strategies to implement AND they might not be aware of the unique mind/body principles and insights that are outside the traditional "psychology" conversation.

Top performers understand 5 very important things. They are:

1. They understand that the mind/body/performance relationship is connected.
Champions develop their mind, body and emotions because they know if one is off, it affects their performance. They understand that optimal performances come from optimizing all three key ingredients.

2. They understand how to surround themselves with success.
Top performers keep successful people around them. They hire a success coach, read inspiring books, watch inspiring films, learn from mentors, etc.

3. They understand the importance of a game plan.
Successful people devise a game plan to take themselves toward success. Every day they do something that strengthens their mind/emotions and performance building confidence over time.

4. They understand that talent alone does not insure success.
Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and virtually anyone else who is a top performer understands that their talent really took off when they understood the importance of their "inner" game. There is no denying it. When the inner game works, the talent is unleashed!

5. They understand that knowledge alone does not insure success.
Many players are knowledgeable about many things but this does not prevent them from slipping into self-sabotaging behavior and poor outcomes. Champions realize that knowledge is only worthwhile when it's put into application. How many times have you thought "I KNOW better than this but…" Knowing does not equal DOING.

Top performers understand the importance and connection between the mind, the body and the performance. There is no separation. If you're not developing you mental keys they are already influencing the way you perform out of habit and repetition. Are you performing UP to the level of your physical talent? Remember, the mind/body/performance principles are ALREADY influencing your play. Why not use these principles to reach your optimal performance levels?

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David Breslow-- Performance Success Strategies 847.681.1698 urwiredtowin@aol.com David offers a unique "root cause" approach that teaches athletes to create new outcomes rather than coping with old ineffective patterns. He's worked with athletes locally, nationally and internationally using his Wired To Win program that players can take part no mater where they live or play. He also offers an on-line assessment in that measures your strengths and development areas in 10 key and critical performance traits. Contact David for more information.