You're never "too old" for this
Oct 02, 2021 10:57 pm
Happy weekend,
The final lecture in my Psychology of Performance course (which as of today, Oct 2, 2021, and I don't know how long it will last, is on a ridiculous sale of 83% off) covers a topic I have to remind myself of often. I find I am not as fast as I used to be and the weights feel heavier than they used to. I have to admit ... I'm past my prime. But I'm not going to stop. I'm not too old for this (even though my kids have been asking me to stop playing football for the last 10 years, fearful I will get hurt ... well, more hurt than usual, LOL).
(Me playing with some of the young guys)
I am grateful that I have been able to stay active. Excited when I can still hit personal bests. But overall, fitness now is about slowing the decline. And that can only be done by staying active. More on that in the video below.
And then I have a guest post from Chet Spence of Walking in Love Coaching. I love it when colleagues share the same perspective. I hope his fresh take on "Pause" reinforces some of the skills you've been practicing here with me.
Best,
Dr. Eddie
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You're NOT "too old" for this
You don’t have to stop excelling as a performer when you get older. If you are willing to engage in deliberate practice, you can work to maintain your skills and keep achieving. Start planning early for eventual retirement. Realize that as a performer, you are more than your win-loss record, you title or position, or the money you make. All the performance enhancing skills I’ve been teaching will transfer to many of life’s challenges. Keep using them to excel throughout your lifetime.
For the nonathletic population, there is about a 2% decline in performance per year. By comparison, for those who stay continuously involved in their sport, performance declines at only 0.5% per year from the age of 35 to 70.
Stay involved and adapt as needed. For example, cross training may help prevent wear and tear on the body.
Fitness and high sport performance don’t occur naturally. You don’t lose skills “because I got old.” You lose them because you stop deliberate practice. Make a commitment. Stay active and involved.
You can maintain your athletic identity throughout your lifespan. Continue to think and train like an athlete.
Check out “The Psychology of Performance: How to Be Your Best in Life” at www.thegreatcourses.com/dreddieoconnor for the 24th lesson, “Aging Athletes: Competing and Retirement” and 23 other sport psychology topics that will enhance your performance!
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Pause
In his blog post, Chet from Walking In Love Coaching shares a message that aligns well with what I have been teaching you: the importance of taking a mindful pause and choosing your reactions to fears and anxieties.
I've shared with you tools like "WIN: What's Important Now" and the Fire Alarm Metaphor, and I invite you to add this article to your library of resources. Click this link and enjoy this metaphor for how to be more intentional in your (re)actions.
And if you are struggling with performance anxiety, lack motivation, or are playing better in practice than you are in competition ... I can help you with individual tele-health consulting. Learn more here.
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Dr. Eddie O’Connor
