Focusing on the present moment can often be challenging. We can quickly find ourselves drifting into past performances on the field or thinking about the next at bat before we actually understand what is happening currently in front of us. After a bad performance or bat at-bat, it becomes easy to spiral into negative thoughts and think about what you could do different. A bad game can have us worried about what the future might hold in our next game. These types of distractions can keep us from truly investing in the moment in front of us. It can keep us from succeeding in the present moment that we have. Here are some tips to help you focus on the present moment:
- Practice mindfulness: This is a technique that can help you pay attention to the present moment without judgment or distraction. It can be anything from focusing on your breath, body sensations, or surroundings. You can do this through things like meditation, breathing, or other tools. This can help you reset your mind and take your focus/attention off the distracting thoughts that might be taking away from your ability to perform in the current moment
- Maximize the use of your senses: What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you see? Engaging these types of senses can help you feel more grounded. When you feel more grounded, it becomes easier to connect with the present moment. Having that feeling of groundedness can make you feel like that you can take on any challenge in the current moment
- Avoid multitasking: To fix a bad at-bat or performance, we often want to do everything we can to course correct so we take on multiple tasks or ideas to help us improve for the next time. Multitasking can be overwhelming and make it extremely difficult to focus on the present moment. If you have a bad at-bat, focus on one task at a time to help you for the next one. Maybe it’s breathing to reset. If so, give that your full attention before your next AB.
- Take time to reflect: As important as it is to stay present, it is also important to take time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Setting aside this time to reflect on your experiences and emotions can help you go into the next event and stay present. Have a bad game? Write down your thoughts and feelings at night to reflect on what that game made you feel and then move on the next day. Taking that time to reflect will allow you to be present for the next game without carrying over the distractions from the last one.
- Be patient with yourself: Understand that focusing in the present moment takes practice and patience. Don’t be upset with yourself if you find yourself lost in distraction. No matter how hard you practice, there will be still times that you find yourself losing focus. Know that is okay and just keep working towards it. The more you focus on the current moment without judgment or distraction, the better you improve yourself.
