“Every game’s a championship game. When we focus that way, get prepared that way—that this is it, you know, this is the last one, the biggest one—you get ready, you get amped up, you get that laser focus, and you’re ready to play.” Russell Wilson

It is easy to think that extraordinary success comes from the focus on results. However, such outcome-oriented thoughts are far from optimal. There is more to success than just looking at results without understanding that at the end of the day it comes down to your consistency in developing your physical and mental skills and the ability to stay in the moment when performing.

How to Focus on the Process

There were some fundamental ways to sharpen your focus and make it a habit, so the ability to focus on the process comes naturally to you.

First, be aware that you are focusing on the outcome. Once you notice that you are thinking about results and not the present, you can take steps to get your mind back on track.

Recognize that you can only focus on one thing at a time. If you replace your results-based focus with the process-based focus, you have stopped yourself from thinking about things of the past, or things that have not happen.

Importance of Having Goals

Goal setting is a useful tool for developing your football mental game.

Sport Psychologists have been using goal setting in sports for more than three decades. The concept may not be new, but the techniques, methods, and attitudes involved in the task have been refined and further clarified.

By setting goals and tracking your progress, you will get precise direction and get closer to what you want to achieve. Goals will increase your persistence, patience, effort and motivate you to work hard to achieve the goal.

Importance of Pre-Game Routines

The purpose of a pre-game routine is to get yourself prepared to perform your best in the game.

A pre-game routine should be used in practice and the game. It is important to practice the pre-game routine just like you practice your mental skills and your physical skills.

The more you practice, the more effective the pre-game routine will be. If some part of the routine does not flow well, change it when you have time to try it out in practice. In time it will be fine-tuned, and you will reap the benefits in the game. Remember, pre-game routines only have value if they are used consistently. If you use your routine in every practice and before every competition, you will see your desired results. Your pre-game routine will ensure that you are prepared to perform.

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