Three dribbles.
Stop. One more
dribble. Stop. Bend the knees and
become one with the shot as I follow through the ball figuratively extending my
elbow and wrist like Stretch Armstrong all the way through the center of the
goal swishing the ball through the net.
It’s the same routine for me every time I shoot a free throw. It’s been that way since Jr. High,
although I shoot a lot less meaningful free throws these days.
In the arena of peak sports performance, we call it a pre-shot
routine, and it is the key to making a great shot. In sports, every successful athlete develops a routine
before they perform. The idea of a
pre-shot routine applies to all sports even though the specific sport may not
involve an actual “shot.” Each
athlete develops a systematic routine that involves both physical and mental
activity that helps them prepare to perform at their best. While every athlete may have nuances
within their specific approach, a pre-shot routine typically involves the
following components:
- Mental focus – Preparing your mind to focus on a positive outcome and simplifying your thoughts to replace extraneous thoughts and distractions
- Physical Preparation – Preparing your body to perform the task at hand
Athletes realize they can’t just summon focus magically in
the moment. Preparation is the
key.
The concept a pre-shot routine applies not only to sports
but also to other areas of our lives like our vocation, our community, and our
relationships. In my book Moments: Making Your Life Count For What Matters
Most, I call this principle “Focus on the Moment” and explain that in order
to have focus IN the moment, you have to focus ON the moment which involves
considering the following questions:
- What’s at stake?
- Who else is involved?
- How can I make a difference?
A successful presenter doesn’t just step up to the
microphone and magically demonstrate focus. He or she prepares in advance carefully considering the
moment, the audience, and the message.
An incredible client meeting doesn’t just happen. You have to consider the needs,
challenges, and questions of the other person and be prepared to provide
answers and solutions that will make a positive impact. Great families don’t just happen. You have to focus on the outcomes you
want to see and the opportunities you have to impact the people in your
family. Effective weeks don’t just
appear out of thin air. You have
to be proactive and develop a “pre-shot routine” for your weeks and days that
will put you into a position to “score” (i.e. be effective).
What is your pre-shot routine for your life? How do you prepare for your days and weeks? Do you think your days could be more productive and effective if you spent time preparing and focusing ON the moment?
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