| But you still have that skill that you used as a child. You can still change or "morph" into anyone or thing you want. Then you can use their special talents to help you in your practices or in your competitions.
Why? Morphing can do several things:
- It allows athletes to remove themselves from pressure situations by "becoming someone else."
- It allows them to try different styles "by using another person's techniques."
- It give them a "mental game" to play.
- It puts "fun" back into practice and competitions.
But change into whom or what? There are several ways to change. Some people like to change into animals. Others like to change into their heros. Still others turn into cartoon or make-believe figures.
Suggestions? Sammy Sosa at the plate swinging for Waveland Avenue, or Randy Johnson on the mound with a face full of intensity. How about Shaquille O'Neil fighting for a rebound, or Mario Lemieux on a break away?
How? Tell yourself you want to be that person and then duplicate their style and techniques, or their size, power, or super strength. Don't analyze their methods, just perform like you think they would perform. Focus on becoming them and being successful at your task.
So, change. Turn into someone or something else. You will be surprised at the outcome. You will have fun and enjoy it, while picking up some extra techniques or methods. Yes, it sounds weird when you first think about the skill, but many athletes employ this method. They use it to practice and for stressful situations. So, give it a try. It could help you relax a little and maybe assist you in reaching the next level on your road to success. At the very least it will help you bring a little fun back into training.
Side story: I was working with an African Olympic runner. We were talking about fighting through the pain of a long race. Edith told me about one of her idols. "I wish I could fight like her. She fights so very hard." I asked Edith why she couldn't turn into that girl? Edith laughed a nervous laugh, we talked about the idea for a while, then let it drop.
Weeks later Edith came back and excitedly told me about a race. "Coach, it worked. I changed into her at 2 1/2 miles and ran great. I cut almost 20 seconds off my time. Because I was her, I could not hurt! I was able to fight and run harder to the finish."
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