Potential + Training - Interference = High Performance

One of the most exciting things about sports is that when teams and players are physically equal, the mentally stronger often win. So, how do you cultivate mental strength? The key to “winning the mental game” lies in managing or eliminating interference—those distractions that creep in and undermine performance.

Think of it as an equation:

P (Potential) + T (Training) - I (Interference) = HP (High Performance)

Every athlete has potential, and training builds on that foundation. But true excellence comes when you minimize interference. Interference refers to distractions like a missed call, a mistake, an injury, or even the pressure of the moment. These elements are inevitable, but controlling your focus despite them unlocks peak performance.

Take Scottie Scheffler’s experience at the 2024 PGA Championship. Just hours before his tee time for the second round, Scheffler faced an unexpected and intense distraction—his arrest on charges stemming from a misunderstanding with law enforcement. Released just in time to make his scheduled tee-off, Scheffler had every reason to let the morning’s events derail him. Instead, he demonstrated incredible focus, shooting a 5-under-par 66 and climbing to third place on the leaderboard. Reflecting on the situation, Scheffler admitted he was “shaking with fear” but managed to refocus and perform, saying it was “a big misunderstanding.” His ability to move past a chaotic morning and focus on what he could control exemplifies the power of handling interference effectively.

Scheffler’s performance under pressure underscores the equation: Potential + Training - Interference = High Performance. Success isn’t about avoiding distractions but mastering how you respond to them. Let’s explore this for high school athletes, their parents, and coaches.

Recommendations: Handling Interference

For High School Athletes:

• Action: When distractions arise, center your attention on the immediate task. Use affirmations like, “Focus on the next play.”

• Avoid: Don’t fixate on errors or external disruptions. Avoid thoughts like, “I can’t believe that happened.”

For Parents:

• Action: Encourage your child to concentrate on effort and attitude. Remind them, “Control what you can control.”

• Avoid: Don’t emphasize mistakes or external factors. Avoid comments like, “The referee’s call was unfair.”

For Coaches:

• Action: Instill routines that help athletes regain focus after disruptions. Prompt them with, “Let’s get back to our game plan.”

• Avoid: Don’t highlight distractions or errors. Refrain from saying, “Why did you let that affect you?”

  
  

Athletes can unlock their full potential and consistently deliver peak performances by effectively managing interference. Mental fortitude is often the distinguishing factor between good and great performances.

If you want to build mental strength, I got you, like, share and follow.