“Meditation is a practice, not a destination. It teaches you how to stay present and calm, especially when things aren’t going your way.” — LeBron James, NBA player
There was an overwhelming sense of remorse. I had just finished my poorest-performing and least fulfilling basketball season. Only an hour earlier, I had played one of my worst games of the year. I remember being paralyzed with anxiety every time I shot the basketball, desperately hoping I wouldn’t airball. Physically, I was in peak condition, but mentally, I had never felt so low.
It took an entire season, punctuated by a horrid ending, to realize that if I truly wanted to perform at a high level, it required a change in mindset. So, I began searching. I read books about mentality, sought advice from those I wished to emulate, and then stumbled upon mindfulness. I practiced it daily, and it slowly began to impact my performance. The following season, I went from being a benchwarmer to a starter and became the second-leading scorer on the team. Then, it transformed my way of being. What had once been gripping fear and anxiety the previous season transformed into passion, confidence, and fulfillment. All this from one simple practice.
Mindfulness simply means the state of being aware. It is derived from the Pali word sati, which translates directly to attention, recollection, or awareness. When we are mindful, we observe the coming and going of thoughts and feelings in the present moment. We do not dwell on past mistakes or become anxious about future events. Instead, we remain attentive and alert, responding with calmness to unfolding events. For athletes, coaches, and performers, the ability to stay in the present moment while maintaining poise and composure is not just beneficial; it is vital.
Luckily, we have a practice to achieve this called meditation. This is meditation summarized in one word. Ready? Attention. Meditation equals attention. It is a focus exercise that improves our ability to be fully present. If you wish to cultivate intense focus for improved performance, try meditation.
