mental lacking :

[JoeW]

I buy that as a general statement about most things in life. Confidence in one's ability translates into smooth performance.

However, when the game is no longer the game and it becomes something else then competitive anxiety creeps in. Taken to its logical conclusion it is something like this. Let's say you have the rent money on the line and have already lost the food money. If you lose your wife's depression and the possibility that you could "lose everything" including her has an effect on how you play. Of course this is an exaggeration but minor variations have an effect as well.

 

[3andstop]

I buy that as a general statement about most things in life. Confidence in one's ability translates into smooth performance.

However, when the game is no longer the game and it becomes something else then competitive anxiety creeps in. Taken to its logical conclusion it is something like this. Let's say you have the rent money on the line and have already lost the food money. If you lose your wife's depression and the possibility that you could "lose everything" including her has an effect on how you play. Of course this is an exaggeration but minor variations have an effect as well.

I'll go along with that also ... Shoot, if I was going to be executed if I didn't tie my shoes correctly, I might screw that up too. :embarrassed2:

 

[JoeW]

I agree with CJ on this book. Here's a downloadable copy.

http://www.ideologic.org/files/Eugen_Herrigel_-_Zen_in_the_Art_of_Archery.pdf

Just finished reading this text. The use of relaxation and controlled breathing through the performance is interesting. Not sure I buy being one with the arrow and all that but the ideas are worth anyone's time.

I think that some aspects of this philosophy are just too foreign for western people. We are not all that introspective as a people. I do think that relaxed introspection will change one's life. Call it meditation or zen, it makes little difference.

These types of practices are life changing for those who learn to live this type of like style. There is a whole literature on meditation and a zen like acceptance of life that is quite useful in treating dug addiction.

I suspect there is a contradiction in terms for being competitive and accepting.

 

[Slasher]

Ahh yes performance anxiety I am an expert

Researched the heck outta this for years looking for answers and here is what I know.

It is often learned early in life and becomes engrained as programmed responses to situations. Often the correct response for the wrong reason.

Fight or flight response releases chemicals to enhance flight and senses such as sight and hearing (often why you can get easily distracted) and shuts down rational thought. Hence the reason the cue feels like a lamp post and you can't do simple math during this state.

Prognosis is not good, you can suppress it with key word distractions or breathing etc but an all out cure is very difficult if you have a severe case.

here is some info from the web, good luck.
http://socialanxietydisorder.about.com/od/copingwithsad/a/sportsbasics.htm

 

[CJ Wiley]

you can argue both sides of the "are they born or made" fence

Some are born & some make themselves Champions through hard work & dedication. I have coached individuals in team sports from 5 to 21 years of age & believe me toughness can be taught, both physical & mental. However, some people just don't seem to have it in them or perhaps it is just supressed very, very deep inside. IMHO those are few in number by comparison.

Regards,

Obviously you can argue both sides of the "are they born or made" fence, and from my perspective I can see both sides in my own development.

The ironic thing is the things I always though were my weakest traits became my strongest ones because I focused so intently on strengthening them.

That type of determination was essential, I'm just not sure when it was instilled in my psyche...hmmm, it's a mystery wrapped in an enigma sprinkled with curiosity.