When competition is going well, we often look to see how we can make it better. Our minds are free to explore new possibilities. We say things to ourselves like I'm in a good groove and have a nice flow going. This allows us the freedom to explore because we’re not hindered by emotional debris like bad feelings or disappointments. This is a good thing. But when this is not happening and you are having an off day, say maybe the weather is not cooperating at this point or something is just off with your bow, your attitude begins to slip. Then you find yourself deep in frustration. It’s an uncontrollable feeling no one likes this. The best way to avoid this of course is to stop it before it starts. But sometimes that is unavoidable. Another way to approach this problem is to stop taking yourself so seriously, allowing yourself the luxury of fluctuation. What I mean by this is you never going to be on all the time, while you can strive for that, it is an unattainable standard. The reality is that your performance goes up and down. We just don’t want the down turn to be at the wrong time.
What we want to try to do is to maximize the flow state. The first step in doing this is to release self-judgment. Stop being hard on yourself. Understanding that things have rhythm and flow by relinquishing the torturous state of being hard on yourself, and you will find yourself more relaxed and able to work the situation better. So instead of fighting with the feelings of not accomplishing what you need at the moment, surrender to the process. Focus on the space you need to be in and that gives you growth.
So when the opportunity shows up, and you’re in the flow state don’t focus on I have to maintain this. Rather focus on what the feeling feels like. This will do two things. The first thing is you won’t be focusing on I need to maintain this. When you focus on this kind of thinking, it pulls you out of the flow state because you’re looking at the flow state and not living it. Second is if you cultivate a good feeling, this means don’t judge it, don't try to hold it, just live it. If you practice this, the flow state will become routine. And you will find yourself in it more frequently.
Some of the biggest hiccups we have with the mental game is that we try too hard instead of being in the moment. Remember when you feel good, the mental process works much better. When you begin to judge yourself and get caught up in fear, the problems start to show up. So relaxation and trust are very important. Belief in yourself is essential and so is remembering that if you're having a bad day, eventually you have a good day--no state, either good or bad, is permanent. So just trust that any given moment of time is just that: a moment.
The more you believe in something positive, the more potential it has to show up. The more you live in a flow state, the more easily you will find that flow state.The next archery tournament you attend stay in the moment, don’t be hard on yourself, acknowledge that the flow state exists, and have fun.