This article will discuss the difference
between routines and rituals/superstitions, why it is important to know the
difference between them, and how a pregame routine can boost your
performance.
First things first, what do these words mean?
Routine (n): a sequence of actions regularly
followed
(adj): performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special
reason
Ritual (n): a ceremony consisting of a series
of actions performed according to a prescribed order
Superstition (n): excessively credulous belief
in and reverence for the supernatural / a widely held but irrational belief in
supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck, or a
practice based on such a belief
From the definitions given above, we can start
to see the emergence of the difference between a routine and a
ritual/superstition, leading to my favored use of the term routine over the
other two. What’s wrong with a ritual or superstition you ask? For starters,
they are based around ceremony and supernatural influences. As if performing a
ritual or believing in the supernatural will help you make a jump shot, sink a
putt, or help your team win a championship. It can also allow athletes to
attribute their successes, earned through hard work, to mystical doings instead
of seeing their dedication to improving come to fruition. On the other side, it
also allows athletes to attribute their mistakes or failures to anything else except
for themselves. As you can guess, this can lead to a bit of an issue if that
athlete shirks responsibility.
While a routine and ritual may share
similarities in the words used to define them, the attitudes surrounding both
areas are very different. I’m not saying that no one should have rituals, ever,
but no one should be held to the thought that a “change” in a ritual (or a
superstition) will lead to any other performance outcome than the one that was
going to happen anyway. In a world made up of variables, it is easy to see more
changes from game to game happen, rather than everything happening just as it
did before. This can create a mental restriction, prompting an athlete to focus
and concentrate more on managing irrelevant things before a game, instead of
preparing their mind, body, and soul for peak performance.
Establishing a routine includes a few different
aspects in order for successful use: positivity, relevance, personalization,
persistence, adaptability and focus.
*Keep your routine positive: whether you
include visualization, self-talk, or meditation within your routine – keep it
positive. Do not let distracting negative thoughts hijack your routine and
create a mindset that is not ideal.
*Keep your routine relevant: does your routine
have to do with your mind, body and soul? Great! Keep it in those areas. Making
sure you are wearing your lucky socks, or that you put on your uniform the
exact same way as you did in your previous good performance are not relevant to
your performance outcome.
*Personalize your routine: No size fits all!
Find what works for you. Each individual will find that they have different
focus needs in order to get ready for a game. What works for you is more
important than what works for anyone else. Sure, take ideas from other athletes
or role models, but make them your own. Do you find you need more time on
mental preparation than physical preparation before a game? Than create and use
a routine that concentrates on more on the mind than the body.
*Be persistent: Just creating a routine is not
the final piece of the puzzle. You must be persistent in incorporating your
routine before your games. Consistency is a key. Not necessarily in a way that
says: I must do this at this time with this aid and in this order – if I don’t, it won’t work. That’s a ritual/superstition, remember? No, consistency in this
case means that the athlete is focused on consistently utilizing their routine
to become prepared in all areas they may need.
*Be adaptable: If something before a game impedes
your pregame routine, it is important that you can adapt your routine to fit
any restraints that may occur.
*Focus: Focus is needed in two ways. The first
is that when you create your pregame routine, what areas do you need to focus
on to be in the best position to achieve peak performance? Once you understand
what to focus on, you are in a good position to start creating a positive and
efficient pregame routine. The second way that focus is important in a pregame
routine is once you have started your routine focus on completing it to a high
standard. Don’t lose concentration, don’t allow negative thoughts to intrude,
and don’t get distracted by irrelevant cues (looking at you lucky socks).
With these keys to a successful pregame routine
being utilized, your performance could start to see a boost in a number of
different areas. Higher concentration/focus levels, more positive mindset, optimum
arousal levels, and physical readiness are all possible benefits of a pregame
routine. All of which are important to peak performance and overall sporting
success.
What’s your pregame routine and how does it
help you get ready for a game? Comment below to share!
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