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Sierra Center for Peak Perfromance

FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Newsletter of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume XI, Number 7 July 2008

Welcome to the one hundred and fifteenth issue of the free Newsletter of Applied Sport Psychology. This article and the article for August 2008 comprise a three-part, 2008 SUMMER OLYMPIC SPECIAL EDITION.

PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN:
"2008 Summer Olympic Prediction"
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.

While listening to National Public Radio in May of this year I was intrigued by a story and video about American shot putter Adam Nelson. It was a story of unique success. Adam has been reported to be the only American track-and-field competitor who has achieved a first or second place finish in every major outdoor shot put championship over the last eight years. He has won silver medals in the previous two Olympic games, held the record for the longest throw during 2008. Nelson will compete this month in the Beijing Olympic Games.

He also changed his throwing technique just two months before the US Olympic Trials and still managed to make the team with a third place finish in Eugene Oregon on June 28th. He has been noted for his unorthodox throwing technique and his unusual approach to mental preparation. Just prior to every throw he claps his hands together several times and gestures wildly with his arms to stir up his own enthusiasm and that of the crowd. He billows and roars, then rips off his warm-up shirt and rages into the throwing ring. According to Adam his mental preparation routine serves the purpose of getting rid of his excess stress and any residual performance anxiety that he might be feeling. He also states that this ritual fires him up. When his routine is working he feels focused and in-the-zone and, according to him, there is no feeling that can be compared to it.

It is difficult to argue that it does not work for him given the high level of success that he has achieved with his pre-throw routine. It is my hypothesis, however, that if he prepared mentally in a different way he would be even more successful. It appears to me that Adam is relying on emotion to get him to where he wants to be mentally. Emotion does work at times but it is at best unreliable. Almost no athlete, or non-athlete for that matter, can consistently create the same level of emotion on demand competition after competition no matter what physical or mental tools they might use. My most sincere wish is for Adam to continue to defy the odds and win his first Olympic Gold Medal although my best guess would be that he most likely will not. On the morning of August 15th the Shot Put qualifying rounds begin and the finales will be held later that same day. It will be interesting to see how well Adam is able to perform. Please stay tuned as Adam's story continues to unfold.

Are you searching for reliable methods that you can use to mentally prepare to perform at your best? If so email me and I will tell you how you can begin to mold your attitude and take charge of your thoughts so that you can more easily perform at your highest potential, continue your success and maintain a winning record.

The winner of the drawing for the free Personalized Subliminal CD for this time period are Abigail Johnson.

Abigail and has until midnight, Hawaii Time, on August 14^th to claim the free Personalized Subliminal CD.

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Sierra Center for Peak Perfromance

FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Newsletter of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume XI, Number 8 August 2008

Welcome to the one hundred and sixteenth issue of the free Newsletter of Applied Sport Psychology. This article and the last months article comprise a multi-part, 2008 SUMMER OLYMPIC SPECIAL EDITION.

PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN:
"2008 Summer Olympic Contest"
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.

As I watched and listened to the 2008 Summer Olympics unfold I was struck by the many excellent examples of Sport Psychology techniques. These techniques seemed to be demonstrated on almost a daily basis. I have decided to have a contest utilizing one of these techniques.

One of the most exciting dramas that played out during the Games was Michael Phelps’ attempt to win more gold medals in a single Olympic than any other athlete had previously achieved . One of the first examples of mental techniques occurred during the 400-meter freestyle relay. During the final leg of that relay Jason Lezak helped Phelps and the team win the gold medal by swimming the fastest relay lap ever. Lezak beat his French competitor, and World-Record Holder Alan Bernard, by what was described as a fingertip. After the race Lezak described his final leg of the relay to reporters.

He stated, "When I flipped at the 50 and I still saw how far ahead he was, and he was the world record holder, a thought really crossed my mind for a split second: There's no way," Lezak said. "And then I changed. I said, 'You know what? That's ridiculous. It's the Olympics and I'm here for the United States of America. And I don't care how bad it hurts or whatever. I'm just, just gonna go out there.' ... Honestly in like 5 seconds, I was thinking all these things and just got like a supercharge and just took it from there. ... It was unreal."

What Sport Psychology technique, that has been frequently featured in this Newsletter, does Lezak's description illustrate? The first person to email the correct answer to me will receive a World-Class Training Program as a prize.

The winner of the drawing for the free Personalized Subliminal CD for this time period is Marty Schreiber.

Marty has until midnight, Hawaii Time, on September 4^th to claim his free Personalized Subliminal CD.

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Sierra Center for Peak Perfromance

FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Newsletter of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume XI, Number 9 September 2008

Welcome to the one hundred and seventeenth issue of the free Newsletter of Applied Sport Psychology. This article and the articles for the last two months comprise a multi-part, 2008 SUMMER OLYMPIC SPECIAL EDITION. This is the second contest in the Summer Olympic series.

PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN:
"2008 Summer Olympic Contest #2"
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.

There were many good responses to the first question of the 2008 Summer Olympic Contest. The question was: "What Sport Psychology technique does Lezak's description illustrate?" The technique was one that has frequently been featured in this newsletter. Unfortunately none of the many responses were correct. The technique that Jason Lezak used is known as "Thought-Stopping". The entry that was close but not close enough was "Reframing". Ben Kline submitted reframing as his response and he will receive a special prize for being the first person to offer a response that was in the ballpark but not exactly a homerun . You can learn more about the difference between "Thought-Stopping" and "Reframing" at: http://www.geocities.com/ustpsych/sppsy1/interventions.htm. The following is a summary of the information presented there.

Thought stopping - The person uses a cue to interrupt unwanted thoughts as they occur. A common technique is to quickly and clearly say, “Stop!” as soon as that unwanted thought comes into your mind. (Go to http://www.drrelax.com/ezine1.htm#7 for more detailed instructions)
Reframing - People often view the world in narrow, rigid terms; reframing changes that perspective.

You can also go to: http://www.educ.uidaho.edu/sportpsych/305%20Online%20Su08/MP%20Self%20Talk%20Su08.doc for more detailed information on the strategy of Reframing. The following is a summary of what you will find there.

Reframe Using Effective Counterarguments – Once you've stopped negative thoughts, you need to come up with counterarguments that refute and reframe each of your negative thoughts to make the situation (less negative and) more positive. Reframing allows you to look at a situation in a new and different way by putting your negative, irrational or unproductive thoughts on trial. You then come up with counterarguments about why that isn't a good way to think and what would be a better way.

Thought-Stopping can be thought of as a technique while Reframing is usually considered a strategy. As a consolation to Ben, and all the others who sent in an answer, I am offering a free Personalized Subliminal CD. All he and the others have to do is to forward a copy of their entry to me at: SummerOlympicContest1@drrelax.com with CONTEST #1 in the "Subject" line before the deadline listed below.

You can enter Contest #2 by clicking on the following link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93555876&sc=emaf , listening to the story and then sending your answer to the following question:

"What simple, natural, easy to use and effective technique would have helped the US Team Captain regain her focus and concentration during the delay?" HINT: This basic technique has been mentioned in this newsletter on numerous occasions as a method for deepening concentration.

To win a World-Class Training Program be the first person to send a correct answer to me at: mailto:SummerOlympicContest2@drrelax.com with CONTEST #2 in the "Subject" line by the deadline listed below.

The winner of the drawing for the free Personalized Subliminal CD for this time period is Jessica Fink.

Jessica has until midnight, Hawaii Time, on October 6^th to claim her free Personalized Subliminal CD.

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Sierra Center for Peak Perfromance

FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Newsletter of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume XI, Number 10 October 2008

Welcome to the one hundred and eighteenth issue of the free Newsletter of Applied Sport Psychology. This article and the articles for the last two months comprise a multi-part, 2008 SUMMER OLYMPIC SPECIAL EDITION. This is the second contest in the Summer Olympic series.

PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN:
"2008 Summer Olympic Contest #3"
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.

As with the first contest questions, there were many good responses submitted in response to the second question of the 2008 Summer Olympic Contest. After listening to the story at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93555876&sc=emaf, contest participants were asked to answer the question: "What simple, natural, easy to use and effective technique would have helped the US (Women's Gymnastic) Team Captain regain her focus and concentration during the delay?" The answer is "Deep, Belly Breathing". Many who entered the contest responded with "Voluntary Relaxation". While it is true that inducing Voluntary Relaxation will increase focus and concentration the easiest, most natural and effective technique for doing so is Deep, Belly Breathing. Liz Matzinger was the first person to send in the partially correct response "Voluntary Relaxation" but no one sent in the correct response "Deep, Belly Breathing". Liz has until the deadline listed below to claim her consolation prize. The last contest question can be found below.

To enter a response to the final 2008 Summer Olympic contest, contest #3, please go to:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93555876&sc=emaf	which is a report about Air Pistol Competitor Jason Turner
and
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93995046&sc=emaf	about Decathlete Bryan Clay

and listen to each brief audio presentation. In each case the featured athlete makes the same mental miscue. What is the name of the form of thinking that each athlete engaged in? What was the immediate consequence each athlete suffered for failing to avoid __________ Thinking? The answer to this question should come easily to anyone who has read this newsletter on a regular basis.

To win a World-Class Training Program be the first person to send a correct answer to me at: mailto:SummerOlympicContest3@drrelax.com with CONTEST #3 in the "Subject" line by midnight, Hawaii Time, November 3.

The winner of the drawing for the free Personalized Subliminal CD for this time period is Polly Johnson .

Polly has until midnight, Hawaii Time, on November 3^rd to claim her free Personalized Subliminal CD.

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Sierra Center for Peak Perfromance

FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Newsletter of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume XI, Number 11 November 2008

Welcome to the one hundred and nineteenth issue of the free Newsletter of Applied Sport Psychology. This article concludes the three-part, 2008 SUMMER OLYMPIC SPECIAL EDITION and contains the answer to the last contest question.

PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN:
"2008 Summer Olympic Contest Conclusion"
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.

In the writing and posting to the Internet of last months final question of the Summer Olympic Contest I inserted a link that did not lead to the audio article that I had intended. Please accept my apology. I am sorry for the confusion and inconvenience that my error must have caused. In an effort to correct the error the deadline for contest entries is being extended. Here is the contest information once again but this time with the correct link:

To enter a response to the final 2008 Summer Olympic contest, contest #3, please go to:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93728796 which is a report about Air Pistol Competitor Jason Turner

and

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93995046&sc=emaf which is an interview and report about Decathlete Bryan Clay

and listen to each brief audio presentation. In each case the featured athlete makes the same mental miscue. What is the name of the form of thinking that each athlete engaged in? What was the immediate consequence each athlete suffered for failing to avoid __________ Thinking? The answer to this question should come easily to anyone who has read this newsletter on a regular basis.

To win a World-Class Training Program be the first person to send a correct answer to me at: gabeale@drrelax.com with CONTEST #3 in the "Subject" line by midnight, Hawaii Time, December 3.

The winner of the drawing for the free Personalized Subliminal CD for this time period is Desmond Ayenor.

DESMOND has until midnight, Hawaii Time, on November 3rd to claim her free Personalized Subliminal CD.

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Sierra Center for Peak Perfromance

FROM BRAIN TO MUSCLE WITHOUT ANY TUSSLE
The On-Line E-Newsletter of the Sierra Center for Peak Performance
Volume XI, Number 12 December 2008

Welcome to the one hundred and twentieth issue of the free Newsletter of Applied Sport Psychology. This is a special Holiday Edition that gives the answer to the final question in the Summer Olympic Contest, announces of the name of the winner and offers a gift to all subscribers.

PLAYING MIND GAMES THAT HELP YOU WIN:
"Odds and Ends in the Holiday Season"
by Gary A. Beale, Ph.D.

The final question of the contest was "What is the name of the form of thinking that each athlete engaged in? What was the immediate consequence each athlete suffered for failing to avoid __________ Thinking?" The answer is Outcome Thinking.

During the interview on National Public Radio Jason Turner, the Air Pistol competitor said "I started out really well! As the Shooters like to say I was in a Zone there for the first 20 shots or so." But then Jason started thinking "I might actually win this thing!" and lost his concentration and finished fourth and off of the podium and out of a medal. Jason was, however, awarded the bronze medal when the third place athlete was disqualified for doping. What Jason should have done, when his thoughts first strayed to Outcome, was use Thought-Stopping and deep, belly breathing to refocus on the Process and technique of shooting.

Bryon Clay, who won the decathlon, stated that as he was running the10th and final event (the 1500 meter race) "All I was thinking was don't cramp up, don't pass out, don't let anything happen. You just have to get across the finish line. It felt like the finish line was getting further and further away!" Although he won the race Bryon could have avoided the extra burden of stress by avoiding the Outcome Thinking. He could have accomplished this by using Thought-Stopping, Subliminal Reinforcement and daily affirmations in the months leading up to the race. Writing, listening to subliminal affirmations and saying daily affirmations about the positive aspects of the 1500 and how much he enjoyed running it would have helped him to change his attitude towards it. Thought-Stopping would have helped him to break the mental connection between the race and the negative emotions, "I hate the 1500!", he has towards it.

Many of the responses to the question were correct in stating that Outcome Thinking was the form of thinking each athlete engaged in but none of the responses correctly identified the consequence each athlete suffered for failing to avoid it. No prize was awarded as a result.

Next months article will suggests psychological techniques that can help you flourish during the economic recession.

As a token of my appreciation of your continued participation I am offering to produce a Personalized Subliminal for you at the price that you name. The only requirement is that the price be within the realm of reasonable expectations. For example, most of us would not reasonably expect to receive a personalized and hand crafted item for a only few dollars. Make me an offer by sending an email that includes the price that you're willing to pay. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The winner of the drawing for the free Personalized Subliminal CD for this time period is Muyiwa Sunday.

Muyiwa has until midnight, Hawaii Time, on December 30th to claim the free Personalized Subliminal CD.

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