Frank’s New Release- The Art of Exceeding: Building High Performance Athletes
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THE ART OF EXCEEDING: VOLUME 2 RELEASING
The Subconscious vs. Conscious Mind
“If you don’t manage your subconscious mind, your opponent will manage it for you.”
Inside every athlete lies a formidable battle between the subconscious and conscious mind. The subconscious mind operates at an instinctive level, tapping into intuition and automatic responses, while the conscious mind is analytical, judgmental, and often interferes with the flow of performance.
1 The Power of the Subconscious Mind
The subconscious mind is a vast reservoir of knowledge, skills, and experiences that have been absorbed and stored over time. It operates effortlessly, executing movements and making split-second decisions without conscious effort. Playing “in the zone” occurs when athletes access this subconscious state, allowing their instincts and intuition to guide their actions.
2 Flow and the Subconscious Mind
Flow is a state of optimal performance where athletes feel fully immersed in their actions, time seems to slow down, and their performance reaches an extraordinary level. Flow arises when the conscious mind takes a backseat, allowing the subconscious mind to take control. To achieve flow, athletes must learn to quiet the conscious mind and trust in their abilities.
3 Staying Present
The conscious mind often dwells on past mistakes or worries about future outcomes, pulling the player out of the present moment. By staying fully present, athletes can remain connected to their subconscious mind. Techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing, can help redirect attention to the present moment and prevent the conscious mind from taking over.
4 Trusting Intuition
The subconscious mind has a remarkable ability to process information and make split second, correct decisions based on past training experiences. Trusting this intuitive guidance is crucial for allowing the subconscious mind to take the lead.
5 Letting Go of Judgment
The conscious mind is prone to judgment, self-criticism, and over analysis of every action. This constant evaluation can disrupt the flow state and hinder performance. Let go of judgment by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Being performance minded, you’ll free yourself from the constraints of the conscious mind.
6 Rituals and Routines
Rituals and routines can help athletes transition into a subconscious, autopilot frame of mind. Proper pre-performance rituals create a sense of familiarity and prepare the mind for entering the flow state. Between point resetting rituals help maintain focus and keep the conscious mind at bay.
7 Repetition Of Sets
Consistent practice matches help ingrain competitive skills such as remaining in the subconscious mind. These “dress rehearsals “ free you from minimizing the interference caused by the conscious mind.
The battle between the subconscious and conscious mind is ongoing. Cultivate a deep awareness of this internal struggle and make a conscious effort to quiet the conscious mind, allowing the wisdom of the subconscious to guide your performance.
