Improving Human Performance – A Process Approach
Most of us know that in any athlete or physical demanding endeavor (including self defense and tactical maneuvers) 
that technique is essential for peak human performance. It’s also correct that many sport performances tend to be evaluated according to the outcome (‘the product’) associated with their performance—things such as place, time and score.
As a result, the normal tendency would be to direct your attention upon the end result…’the product’. In training, as well as competition and tactical maneuvers, numerous individuals have a tendency to pay too much attention to the outcome associated with performance instead of precisely what is required in order TO DO the process with perfection, which is the process associated with performance.
For instance, sprinters might generally worry about how quickly they ran a competition rather than specifically correct “stroke” performance; lifters might be focused on just how much weight they lift and give minimal attention to the way the weight was lifted; also golfers probably are going to be focused on exactly how close the ball lands towards the hole rather than the movement of the golf swing which were responsible for getting the ball towards the hole. Tactical athletes might focus on surviving (and rightful so) as opposed to how effect and efficient they move and get the job done.
Almost everyone would certainly concur that in the end, the product or outcome associated with performance is essential, isn’t it?
But I want to ask you, what exactly do you really control?
To improve your overall personal performance, what exactly can you influence?
Are you really able to affect the outcome by concentrating on the process?
Absolutely!
Let’s discuss various methods to enhance the outcome of your performance by focusing on the process.
In sprinting, as with numerous sports, technique is so very important to performance. Proficiency in the process of motion, regardless of whether it’s the stride, lifting weights, or even practice running, pertains to improved performance, along with a reduction in possibility of injury. Nevertheless, to perform quicker, you simply can’t concentrate about the time you’d like to run in.
Rather, you have to focus on improving your technique as well as your physiological capabilities.
Similarly, to enhance your score in golf, you’d concentrate on improving the particular mechanics of your swing, for instance; grip, body position, and body rotation, and not on shooting par. To put it simply, you’d concentrate on the process instead of the results.
Given the above mentioned illustrations, it ought to seem sensible that by concentrating on the physical process you are able to enhance the end result of the overall performance.
While most of us are well aware this…it’s not always easy to do is it?
As previously mentioned, because many of us (including yourself) evaluate human performance based solely on the end result, we are often “drawn” to the outcome of performance. But, to improve performance, energy and effort MUST be directed to the specifics of the process.
Below are a few methods you’re able to put into action to help you tackle the process of improving personal, athletic and sports performance…this improve your outcome.
• Established Process Connected Objectives. It’s alright to create an objective to place in the top three or swim a particular time. Yet when partnered with this outcome-related objective, set objectives which let you know what you should do to execute well—these goals ought to connect with the process of performance. As an example, for a swimmer, your main goal might be to remain streamlined off the wall as well as to maintain a particular stroke rate for the initial 75 meters of a race. These could also be thought of a personal goals for each “practice” session.
• Use Imagery to Focus on and Enhance Technique. Athletes often use imagery to prepare for an upcoming competition by seeing and feeling “success.” That is a great use of the mental skill of imagery. But, imagery is also a mental skill that is of immense value to technique enhancement. Imagery can be used as an additional form of practice to master a certain skill. For example, prior to swimming, mentally rehearse swimming with correct technique; see and feel efficient stroke execution to reinforce the process of swimming.
• Keep Your Self-Talk Centered on the Process. Talk to yourself concerning what you ought to do to execute well. Strengthen your mindset to what you have to do to accomplish your performance objective, which is for a swimmer, to swim 100 meters in 1:05. Remind yourself you need to explode off the blocks, push through each and every stroke, work your kick, as well as remain in a tight and streamline position off the walls. If you choose to do this, the outcome you desire is going to be there. Focus on the processes which impact the end result…this is mental training at its best.
• Assess Your Performance According to the Process. When analyzing your overall performance, steer clear of the inclination to determine how you did exclusively on your time, place or even perhaps score. Rather, evaluate components of your swim performance such as your start, your turns, or even the stroke rate you held. Analyzing the process lets you know what you should do in order to enhance ‘the product’ and provides you with a target for upcoming training sessions.
Focusing only on the outcome of personal performance is to be expected, because it provides you with an objective way of measuring how you did relative to yourself and others. Nevertheless, to improve your overall performance you have to deal with the process, that is, what do you have to do to perform effectively? This isn’t always an easy task. But by putting into action the above methods, they’ll assist you in focusing on the process associated with performance which will consequently improve the end result.
OK..let me your thoughts on this in the comments below.
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