The Three Phases of 10-MT

There are three essential phases in the 10-MT mentaltraining program. Phase 1 is what I refer to as the mental workout. This individualized mental-training plan helps athletes identify and focus on their “control points,” or what it takes for success. Athletes learn to consistently maintain mental focus during training and competition by completing the mental workout before stepping onto the field. As you read through “The Mental Workout” chapters in the first section of the book, you will fill in specific details for each of the tools. These details will likely change over time, so it is important to learn how to use the tools in combination and, as you progress, to feel comfortable changing the details to more specifically tailor the program to your needs. As you will see, the mental workout will become a terrific vehicle for emphasizing and making whatever improvements you desire. The Three Phases of 10-MT 10-Minute Toughness Mental Workout 1. The Centering Breath. A fifteen-second deep breath designed to control arousal states. 2. The Performance Statement. A specifically tailored self-statement useful for increasing training and competitive focus. 3. The Personal Highlight Reel. An advanced form of visualization allowing athletes to increase skill refinement and consistency. 4. The Identity Statement. A concrete self-statement proven to enhance self-image and performance confidence. 5. The Centering Breath. As in step one, a biologically established relaxation technique used to increase the potential to perform well under pressure. 10 As you become familiar with the tools, you will have the knowledge and expertise to adjust the mental workout to become more effective. The mental workout takes no more than five minutes to complete and contains five steps, which are covered in depth in Chapters 1 through 5. Phase 2 comprises developing and utilizing an effective goal-setting program. Typically, when coaches and athletes attempt to create a goals program, it turns out to be an hour of writing down goals at the beginning of the season and then revisiting those goals at the end of the season. The 10-MT goals program teaches athletes and coaches how to enhance motivation and performance by integrating goals into everyday training sessions and competition.The 10-MT goals program helps athletes and coaches identify individual and team vision clarity, as well as product goals and process goals. In addition, Success Logs are used to improve daily goal emphasis. Athletes also complete the Personal Rewards Program Questionnaire to identify the personal incentive style that produces the ideal motivational impact for training and competition intensity. Developing a relentless solution-focused approach is phase 3. I have been fortunate to have worked with some incredibly successful individuals. Whether they are professional athletes or corporate executives, I always try to elicit what those individuals believe to be the top reasons that they have been able to rise above the masses and achieve extraordinary accomplishments. I have noticed that one trait that truly successful people have in common is that they have developed and maintained a solution-focused approach in their careers and in life. Phase 3 teaches individuals how to develop a relentless focus on solutions. The solutionfocused model, Always have a solution on the board, is illustrated through real-life narratives and results. Athletes and coaches are able to realize the small difference between good and great by asking, What is one thing I can do that could make this better? The solution focus offers a reliable tool for reaching and exceeding one’s potential.