As the end of the racing season for 2017 approaches, it’s time to sit back and reflect on your performance. Did you have the results you wanted? If so, what will be your goals for next season? If not, where did you fall short? Every season is a chance for us to improve. If you did not have the results you were hoping for this year, it might be time to change your focus. Changing your focus can help you achieve better results. Here is the process to follow:
- Identify the issue – it may sound simple, but sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint. Spend some time thinking about where you are falling short and be sure to understand how it fits within your routine so you can determine if it is an isolated issue or if it is just one piece of a bigger problem.
- Step away from the issue – now that you’ve really thought about where you want to make the change, back away from it and start to look at the big picture. In order to make sure you’ve identified the correct area, think back to several occasions in training or racing to try and identify a pattern.
- Flip it around – here is where you develop the ideal scenario. Start to plan your ideal training, race, situation, etc. Think carefully about all the parts that need to fall into place to make it happen. Visualize your success.
- Ask proactive questions – Here is where you start to figure out what you need to do to change what you are doing currently to what you need to start doing to achieve the desired result. Avoid taking a negative path when asking these questions. Phrase everything in a positive tone. Focus on what you want to happen and ask yourself what are the things you need to be doing in order to have success.
- Distract yourself – Sometimes we all get a little too close to the situation and need to break off and do something different for a while. This could be some sort of cross-training, reading, spending time with family and friends. Taking a step back, clearing your head and then coming back to the issue at hand can make a big difference.
- Formulate a plan – Now that you have identified the issue, thought about what the perfect scenario will be and then taking some time away, it’s now time to think about all the steps you need to take to move forward in your journey. Be as detailed as you can and document your process.
- Begin path on the correct course – You’ve put all this time in to figuring out what wasn’t working the way you wanted. You sat back, analyzed, dreamed the desired result and now it’s time to put that plan into action. Take your time. Plan it out. Stick to your plan and try not to let little obstacles or setbacks take over. You got this!
To help you with Changing Your Focus when you need to, I’ve developed a worksheet that you can download and complete each time you are having something holding you back from your goals. You can get this free worksheet here: Change Your Focus.
If you’re looking for some help in your training, racing or even just setting your goals, let me help. Always feel free to Contact Me.
Train Right, Tri Right,
Coach MJ
