How to Take Your Performance to the Next Level
How do you go from good to great as a soccer player? Many soccer players “want” to be better, but their “want” doesn’t lead to action.
You could have the best coach in the world, surrounded by talented teammates, work out with the latest equipment, and dream big dreams, but mere desire never yields positive results alone.
You, of course, need some level of ability. Desire is also important; you need to be passionate about lifting your game. However, raising your game requires instruction, direction, action, and evaluation.
Unfortunately, many players stop at the “desire” stage. Words without actions keep you stuck in a rut.
The 6 Stages of Next Level Performance:
1. Passion – When you are passionate about becoming a better player, making a college team, breaking into the starting lineup, or improving your goals scored average, you can stay motivated to see yourself through the ups and downs.
2. Goal – Passion is desire. However, a goal is a target, something specific you want to achieve. When your goal is clear and specific, you can determine if your plan or actions are on track for achieving your objective.
3. Instruction – You should have someone knowledgeable you can rely on for teaching, coaching, or advising you, such as a coach, elite player, or mental game coach.
4. Direction – You need a plan, plain and simple. A plan is a roadmap that directs you towards your goal.
5. Action – You must act on your plan, not just once in a while or when you feel like working. You must put into action your plan each day.
6. Evaluation – This step is often neglected. Some players give up before evaluating or adjusting their plans when necessary. When you objectively assess your progress, you are more apt to push through the struggle during the season.
When you put into play these six steps, you will accomplish more as an athlete.
Knowing, though important, is not enough. You achieve next-level performance by working on your mental and physical skills and applying what you learned.
Raising Your Game:
Watch, learn, and apply. Watch how successful players approach the game.
How do they prepare? What is their mindset? Don’t be afraid to seek out advice.
Ask for help learning to improve mental and physical skills. What can you do in practice to help you grow as an athlete?
Lastly, apply those lessons. Put in the work. Be persistent.
Resources for Athletes, Coach, and Sports Parent
- Learn about Mental Game Coaching For Athletes
- Download our a FREE Mental Toughness Report
- Read our Sports Psychology Articles
- Check out our Sports Psychology Audio Programs
- Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
- Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Download a free sports psychology report to improve your mental game!
Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.
Boost Your Confidence for Sports
Can you experience yourself right now walking out onto the court, diamond, course, or playing field with complete conviction in your ability and unwavering confidence beaming like a bright light? Imagine feeling dominant, positive with only confident thoughts, and ready to take control of the game.
You can learn how to think like a champion and have ultimate self-confidence just like the pros. It’s not hard or impossible to achieve – I help athletes reach their goals every day and you, too, can learn the same strategies I teach to my students who pay me well over $1000 per day for personal coaching.
Do you prefer confident and in control or doubt and helplessness? I thought so. You can empower yourself to take action and I have the mental strategies to help unlock your confidence and instill confidence-enhancing thoughts – so you can be in control with greater levels of confidence – consistently.
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