Mind Over Matter

Here is just a sample of what outstanding achievements are possible by putting your mind to any task. This is just one example of how Brian McKeever is able to "put his mind" to the task in hand and overcome whatever perceived obstacles may try and prevent him from being successful I feel that Brian's story is even more notable due to the fact that he has competed in both Paralympic and able-bodied races. And he has not won by a small margin either, in his recent races. He certainly is a talent to watch out for in Vancouver in 2010.
You may need to cut and paste this link into your browser to view it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/8428841.stm

The question is what is the key to his success? Clearly he is displaying what we Sports Psychologists call mental toughness, and also resilience. That is important to his success, but what has enabled him to get there? What has enabled Brian to cope with the changes in his life? What strategies have been facilitative in helping Brian think about success, despite his ailing eyesight? How has Brian's use of imagery helped him deal with restricted vision. What about the changes in skiing technique, how has the skill development been enhanced and/or impaired by the use of restricted vision. How does he control attention in a race. He must surely have a unique concentration ability to be able to fully focus on the race course and his guide, and block out other thoughts and inputs. How does Brian do this? In the field of applied sports psychology Brian's strategies could prove to be very informative, and potentially useful to both able- and adaptive athletes in their quest to be successful.

A Tribute to Pure Bravery and Inspiration.

I know that my words would not do the following link justice, so I will just ask you to click on it and make your own mind up. I think that Major Phil Packer's determination is worthy of mention through as many sources as possible, if nothing else but to raise awareness of the need to support children, and young adults with disabilities. Please pass thin on to contacts you may have in the Sporting and Business Communities to help Major Packer's Program be as sucessful as its founding member. Please cut and paste the link below into your browser to view Major Packer receiving his award.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/8409139.stm

Welcome to Psyche4Success

I thought I would separate the blog I was writing for the Race Across America and Triathlon and start blogging about Performance Psychology and Mental Skills Training in both the Sporting and Business contexts. This blog will outline key areas where you can make improvements in your thinking that will positively affect the way you run you life, and thus set you up for success. It is up to all of us to reach for the stars and set challenges and goals that are achievable and challenging. This blog is designed to do just that and to help you on your way. There will be times when I will link my other blog as there will be a reasonable degree of overlap in some of the subject areas.

I hope you enjoy the Applied Nature of the Blogs.