Video #2 - Peak Performance

Practice Materials

• Participants will have two copies of the handout.

• One copy starts on page 10 and is specifically designed to facilitate partner practice through structured activities, while the other is blank for personal notes, allowing participants to jot down thoughts, reflections, and additional insights tailored to their learning experience.

• The intent is to encourage the use of these materials alongside other books and resources to create a comprehensive learning environment that fosters deep understanding and application of coaching principles.

Coaching Process Overview

• The session focuses on the development of peak performance skills, aiming to equip participants with a systematic approach to coaching that enhances both personal and professional outcomes.

• Preliminary activities include:

• Engaging in an inner coach discussion where participants explore their internal dialogues and how these influence their behaviors and decisions.

• Conducting a value exploration to identify core personal values that drive motivation and decision-making, which lays the foundation for effective coaching.

• Reviewing the initial client questionnaire to understand participant backgrounds and specific goals, which helps tailor the coaching process to individual needs.

• Conducting a success review to celebrate achievements and understand what has worked previously, alongside identifying client challenges to address in the coaching session.

• It's crucial to emphasize the importance of ensuring that coaching is the right intervention type, distinguishing it clearly from therapeutic approaches.

Key Components of Coaching

• Positive Affirmations:

• Encouraging clients to record any personal affirmations or inspirational quotes at the top of their handouts to serve as motivational touchstones throughout the coaching process.

• Identifying Issues:

• Clients should reflect on personal limitations or growth areas, such as impulsivity in decision-making, which may impact their performance and overall well-being.

• Emphasizing awareness is vital to prevent future issues from hindering performance; proactive identification allows for the development of targeted strategies to manage these challenges.

• Serious issues may require referrals for therapy, highlighting the coach's role in recognizing when a client needs specialized support beyond coaching.

• Sense of Purpose:

• Clients should articulate a clear purpose statement for their work and life, which enhances motivation by providing direction and meaning to their efforts.

• Example of a purpose statement: “To be the best and most mindful coach,” which can guide decision-making and goal-setting processes.

Goals in Sports Psychology

• Distinction between different types of goals:

• Outcome Goals:

  • Focus on specific achievements, such as winning a competition or securing a job promotion.

  • These goals, while providing motivation, can increase performance anxiety as the deadline approaches, leading to stress if not managed well.

• Performance Goals:

  • Focus on the manner of execution and emotional presence, emphasizing qualitative aspects of performance (e.g., how to skate joyfully or effectively communicate during a presentation).

  • Helps manage anxiety by grounding the individual in the present rather than fixating on the outcome, which can often feel overwhelming.

• Enhancing application for business scenarios:

• Instead of stressing about successful presentations, the focus shifts to how to communicate effectively and passionately, which can improve overall performance and reduce anxiety relating to outcomes.

Commitment and Probability Questions

• Commitment to Goals:

• Assessing the commitment level to each specific goal by circling a percentage allows clients to visualize their dedication and areas needing more focus.

• Probability of Achievement:

• Understanding self-efficacy through the lens of what is realistically achievable and estimating the chances of success helps solidify commitment to goals.

• Based on Albert Bandura’s research, a probability rating of 85% or higher is indicative of a likely successful outcome, thus reinforcing positive thinking and expectation management.

Addressing Skill and Resource Gaps:

• If a client expresses low confidence for goal achievement, often due to perceived skill or resource limitations, explore ways to enhance their capabilities through training, mentorship, or education, and discuss strategies for gathering necessary resources, which may include networking or accessing community support.

Goal Achievability Framework:

• Reviewing personal goals to check feasibility within a specified time frame involves considering individual life circumstances, past experiences, available resources, and potential obstacles.

• This reflection is designed to foster realistic goal-setting and ensure that participants remain motivated by setting achievable yet challenging targets.

Understanding Activation Control:

• The significance of maintaining optimal energy levels is critical in keeping motivation and involvement in tasks high.

• Techniques to Manage Activation:

  • Engage in physical activities (e.g., aerobic exercises, jumping, or light stretches) to stimulate energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue.

  • Practical ways to handle workplace stress include simple exercises like shoulder rolls, neck stretches, and integrating relaxation techniques into daily routines.

  • Encourage clients to recognize their energy and stress levels throughout the day and to adopt strategies for self-regulation when feeling overwhelmed.

Conclusion of the Session:

• Participants will be encouraged to take a break and meditate on the day's learning, allowing for incorporation of insights before resuming after a 15-minute period.

• This break is designed to help consolidate new information and prepare for the next part of the session effectively.