As a sports psychologist, I have always been fascinated by Tiger Woods’ ability to focus in the heat of competition.
He is about to face his toughest tournament to date at the Masters. He will need to block out all the distractions-the same questions from the media, fans heckling, and his peers saying negatives about him. But I believe Tiger is up to the test. Tiger worked with a sport psychologist for many years, who taught him how to focus intensely through a form of self-hypnosis. His Late Dad, Earl, also put him through what he called finishing school and would jiggle change in the middle of his backswing as a way to practice blocking out distractions.
He will need all his mental toughness training at this years’ Masters. My bet is he will be able to block out all of the outside world and focus on getting that little ball into the cup and of course, he has a good chance of winning the tournament-what a great story if he does!!
Dr. Gregg Steinberg is a sport psychologist to many professional athletes, motivational speaker, business keynote speaker and leadership trainer and sales trainer. To see more about mental toughness strategies and going Full throttle in your sales, business and life, go to www.drgreggsteinberg.com and see his new book, Full Throttle on amazon.com. To see more about his coaching go to http://tinyurl.com/yemlfs8 and to see his products go to http://tinyurl.com/yjk5q6x
I am a professional athlete in track and field and I have been really disappointed in the media’s judgments about tigers and his ability to perform. I think I am pretty good at compartmentalizing my life, family, track, work…ect. I learned these skills from a book called The Fearless Mind and I would imagine that Tiger is alot better at compartmentalizing his life then I am to be at his level. I think he will come out an be just as competitive as ever before.
It is called the Tall Poppy Syndrome-the Media build you up and then want to tear you down
Dr. Gregg Steinberg http://www.drgreggsteinberg.com
As a former accomplished athlete, EVERY successful athlete has to be focused… otherwise they would not be successful. There is a suspended moment/s when absolutely nothing else exists – it IS an altered state of consciousness. Once experienced, this state is recognized again and again in others who are participating in sport. Now at 60 y/o, there is not one other life experience that is comparable – not even sex. It has to be experienced to be understood and known. When the extreme preparation, absolute focus, and the event collide, the experience is other-worldly. When I watch Tiger Woods, or any successful athlete, I know exactly this moment outside of space and time. I am there as well, reliving my own moments.
Jules,
I would say that you get it and know that Tiger plays “inside the ropes” as we all do when we are focused in the moment.
Would love to hear more of your thoughts on future posts!
Dr. Gregg
Thank you for the opportunity! My son is a professional athlete and sharing these moments with him as a Mom is quite remarkable. Just a smile…
Robert, with Mr Woods I have felt more frustrated with the neglected potiential presented for all of us to look inside ourselves. All chronic self-destructive behavior is a human being who is deeply hurt, afraid. Mr Woods has given us a tremendous gift if we are aware enough to embrace it. For me, there is understanding and there is fear, that’s it. Perhaps one day when we hear or read a critical remark we will have the courage to ask, “What is your intention?”
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!