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Refocusing Skills for Drivers: Getting Back on Track When Sidetracked

by Patrick J. Cohn, Ph.D. - PeakSports.com    

In my work in sports psychology, I talk a lot about focusing on the process instead of end results. Good results will come from doing your job well in the process. Don't set yourself up for failure by projecting outcomes or final results. Thinking about outcomes won't help you execute the current turn or lap now. An outcome focus is only a distraction that takes the mind away from what is relevant and makes you afraid of negative consequences. In order to race your best, stay focused on one turn at a time, one lap at a time, or one race at a time. If you start to think ahead or get distracted, catch yourself immediately and refocus on the present turn or chute. A driver must master this basic mental skill.

I use a simple method to help drivers get back on track when off-task. This is called the "Three R's" for refocusing on the process: Recognize - Regroup - Refocus.

1. The first step to changing behavior is to RECOGNIZE faulty thinking. Here you recognize that you are thinking ahead about future outcomes (What if I can't drive the car fast enough and we lose?).

2. The next step is to interrupt the faulting thinking. REGROUP by distracting yourself to stop the chain of thought (Stop thinking about the finish or if you win or lose! That won't help you right now.).

3. The last and most important step is to REFOCUS on the task in front of you. You can do this by asking yourself a simple question: What do I need to focus on RIGHT NOW to race and execute my best?

The goal of using the three R's is to help you refocus on the process of driving when you get sidetracked. It's OK to lose your focus momentarily, and this will happen to most drivers during a race, but good drivers recognize when they are off task and quickly get back to racing in the here and now - the present moment. Next time you notice you are off-task, try the three R's for getting back on track.

If you would benefit from Dr. Cohn's mental game seminars, contact Dr. Cohn at patrickcohn@peaksports.com

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