Do you remember a time when you have reached optimal performance levels? What did it feel like? How did you get there? Can you get back to that state on your own? Do you even try?
Sometimes I compare being in a state of flow, being in the zone or pursuing superfluidity to a driver who gets in their car, drives to work and all of a sudden they are at work without even remembering the journey. Sound familiar???
We all do it, because it is learned; it is a habit where we respond by carrying out exact skills, turns, maneuvers that are a result of learning, practice and repetition.
So what stops athletes from reaching this optimal state more often. Well for one it is how they perceive their environment. Is it challenging? is it threatening? Is it fun?
It is considered that flow occurs when the level of challenge matches the level of skill and some athletes regardless of skill are threatened by the perception of the challenge.
What is impacted?
Motivation
Arousal
Relaxation
Dedication
Commitment
Anxieties
Fear etc….
So why do high performance athletes struggle to reach flow state or superfluidity more often? When their skill level is elite level but their mentality is weak then performance becomes hindered.
What can they do?
Begin to understand your potential through mental skills training. Realize that threats to your performance exist as opportunities for learning. Understand that the only skills necessary for success are not physical, technical and tactical.
Basically if an athlete has excellent, learned performance skills and techniques but their mental skills are weak, then they will not often reach a flow state. In order to maximize potential, consistency and peak performance it is necessary to be as mentally prepared as you are physically.
Remember, total performance comes from total preparation.