The recent Coronation in the UK got me thinking about how and where we put our focus. For the Coronation there were so many pieces that had to come together to make the event pass successfully. The synchronised mass movement of participants, the equipment and kit, the speeches, the unknown of involving animals and the large crowds.
Many of the commentators had considerable focus on the challenge of bringing all of this together. Everything that could potentially go wrong – particular highlights being the extended time holding a sword and the balancing of crowns on heads.
However, there was also so much that could go right. Indeed so much went according to plan.
So I question did the participants have to get to the end of the event and avoid all the issues before enjoying the experience or can you enjoy it during the event?
How does your focus and attention influence what you notice and therefore the experience you have?
There are some great online videos showing just how your attention can change what you are even aware of. This attention can be heavily influenced by the goal you set to achieve.
The first is a classic and quite well known. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo
So I’ve included a second which is less known (and surprised me) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bnnmWYI0lM
And a final one which is quite good fun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWSxSQsspiQ
So how does this influence sports and triathlon?
It’s extremely common to put yourself under so much pressure to get everything “right” that you forget to see the huge elements that you are being successful in. The goal you set driving a very concentrated view or lens to consider success or failure through. During an event there can be such nervousness that other joys such as the participation and the performances being achieved can be swallowed in the pursuit of reaching a finishline or pre-determined objective.
Take time during your training or ahead of events to be deliberate in your focus and to make a conscious choice as to where you want you attention to go. Are you sure the goal you have set is the correct one? What could alternatives be? Could they serve you better?
Being mindful of how you approach this can make a massive difference to the experience you have.
Enjoy the videos!
