Psychology for getting back on the water

It has been a frustrating time during the last few weeks, as I was off sick. Then, when I did return,  I was involved in an accident that affected by confidence - not to mention getting significant repairs done to 13941.

It was discouraging, but I need to get back on the water, and start focusing on racing again.

The time off has given me a chance to catch up with conversations I had last year with a very impressive Sports Psychologist called Gary Leboff. Building upon his record with Premiership footballers and top-level golfers, Gary has adapted sports-related strategies to the demands of corporate team building and motivation.

Steeped in the ethos of champions, Gary has worked in football, tennis, rugby union and golf. I must say that his approach to coaching and the training environment is refreshing, accessible and user friendly.

So it was a pleasure to meet with him last year, and gain insight into his psychology for winning dinghy races.

I don't want to give away any secrets, but there was one piece of advice that he gave me which proved successful in the National Championships last year.

His advice was too focus on the PROCESS, not the OUTCOME. Personally, I am always looking ahead, and as a result I think so much about what I am trying to achieve that I forget to concentrate on actually achieving it.

It seemed to work for me: I remember one race in the 2015 Nationals when I deliberately concentrated hard on his advice, and cleared my mind of any thoughts, other than the precise tasks I had in front of me.  It may be coincidence, but that was my best position in the regatta.

Lots of food for thought.

To back that up, I notice that the RYA web site has a very interesting article on  Mental Toughness in Sailing by Skandia Team GBR's psychologist, Dr. Ben Chell

Finally, I was able to go to the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace, where I took overheard part of a presentation by London 2012 silver medallists Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark, also talking about the psychology of winning. One of the take-aways I had from their presentation, was a Goal Setting grid and scorecard, showing what I want to achieve, and the tasks I will need to perform in order to get there. If it is good enough for Olympic medallists, who are preparing for Rio this year, then it might just be worth my while trying it.

I've started putting together my own view of the goals I want to achieve, complete with the Red / Amber / Green status indicator over time. There's a bit more refinement needed, but I think they are nearly there.

SO, with some clearer ideas of what I am aiming for, and more focused approach, it's time to collect 13941 from the repair shop. AND time to get back on the water....