West
Windsor, N.J. -- How is it that on some days, when someone
cuts you off on the road, you become enraged, while on different
days, you just keep your distance. You may actually feel for
the other guy.
According
to author Garrett Kramer, who spoke to a packed room of MCCC
athletes on Feb. 21, that occurs because sometimes "we
operate from the basement and sometime we operate from the
penthouse."
Kramer believes his philosophy can help student athletes navigate
rough seas -- on the playing field and in life. "Exploring
your state of mind in the moment will determine how well you
will navigate," Kramer said.
Noting
his love for sports, Kramer said that athletes can use this
approach to improve their performance. He encouraged his MCCC
audience members to take regular stock of their feelings.
"Learn what's happening in your own head during competition
and off the field. All the answers are within yourself."
He
advised athletes to pull back from desperation during competition.
"When you're not playing well, just stay in the game.
Allow it to get better," he said.
Kramer
observed that coaches and sports psychologists like to throw
out strategies - that notion of willpower. "But what
I'm talking about is 'stillpower.' The more clarity and quiet
you have in your mind, the better your performance will be
on and off the field."
Kramer traces every single problem people create for themselves
to their thought process and how they handle these thoughts.
"When your thoughts are clear, you are 'in the zone.'
Those who don't understand this become victims of circumstance."
According
to Kramer, the human mind is wired to reach a better place.
"When your mind is in a good place, you wouldn't even
want to change a poor game. It will make sense - the past,
present and the future. You can visualize success from this
place. In fact, you can be five plays ahead."
He
concluded with a strong message. "Be guided from the
inside out. If you allow this to sink in, you've got something
in your pocket not many people have."
Kramer
is the founder and managing partner of Inner Sports, LLC.
He has provided consulting and/or crisis management services
to hundreds of athletes and coaches, from well known professionals,
Olympians, and teams, to high school and collegiate players
across many sports.
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