One of the most helpful tools for performers is a mental performance log or journal. After every practice, game, or performance take a few minutes to reflect on the experience. You can make it quick or you can go into more detail. The main goal is to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. It helps us process them in a different, more in-depth way. Here are some options for your mental performance log.
Some possible questions to answer as you log/journal
- Date, Event | Include a short description of what happened. Taking the time to reflect allows us the opportunity to revisit both the good and the bad things that happened during the event.
- Mental Details | It is easy to remember to include the physical aspects of your performance. Make sure to also include how your mental game was. How was your motivation? Confidence? Resilience? Physical energy? Mental focus? Emotional agility?
- Specifics | If you are working on improving any specific aspect of your mental game, then log that too. For example, if you are working to manage self-talk, make sure to include that element. If you are doing individual coaching at Pivot, you’ll likely have some additional details assigned as homework.
As you work through this course, add your training questions into your mental performance log/journal.
