How do you contemplate success?

Published Date

Written by Tony Scott

In 2008, Mihaly Ciskszentmihalyi (best known for his seminal work; Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience) said "“Of all the virtues we can learn no trait is more useful, more essential for survival, and more likely to improve the quality of life than the ability to transform adversity into an enjoyable challenge”.

In an effort to quantify this concept John Scott-Hamilton from the Psychology department at the University of New England (and a keen MTB'er) is seeking high-performing athletes to do an on-line survey that will "Explore the Relationship between Mindfulness-Acceptance, Flow and Attribution Styles in Competitive Athletes".

John says, "The ultimate aim of my research, guided by this survey, is to develop a tailored 8-week mindfulness protocol specifically aimed at training competitive athletes to use mindfulness-acceptance skills (via meditation) to reduce concentration anxiety disruptions by increasing present-moment focus (i.e., the “turning toward” one’s attention and awareness of prevailing sensations and emotions in a nonjudgmental way) on the task at hand to promote peak experience (flow) and optimal performance. Beyond the enhancement of physical and mental skills, this research also seeks to promote the enhancement of psychological well-being in all domains of life.'

He added, "By participating you may actually be making your first steps towards modifying your awareness and the relationship you have with your thoughts (i.e., “turning toward” rather than “running away from” potential difficulties, anxieties, self-doubt and pain) in a way that will increase your enjoyment and performance while training and competing in your chosen sport."

For more information contact:

John Scott-Hamilton BPSYC(Hons)

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 02 6773 5017 or mob 0422541389

Click the survey link here to begin your own transformation.

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