By Kain Mcwaters in 2022.
We as humans often find ourselves thinking about the future or reflect on the past.
Or shall we say… stressing about the future and/or dwell on the past. This is not always a negative thing but in some situations it can be dangerous physically. Mentally this state of mind is not a healthy habit, to always be inside our minds rather than being present to where we are and being aware of what is actually going in front of us. To be present is one of the most powerful states of mind in Snowboarding.
This is highly relatable to most aspects in Snowboarding. Being mindful before we drop into a free-ride section or at the roll in of the park or at big open steep groomers or during any given task on an exam or assessment day, is important. On the flip-side when we are teaching, coaching or training any of our students, we need to take into consideration that they might be experiencing a fixed mindset.
“Will the same thing happen in my next turn?”
“I wasn’t even thinking and I got it my first try!”
“My first attempt didn’t go to plan, but I’m not sure if I can try it again”
They might be looking back to what was and getting lost in the thoughts of the future. It’s natural to feel this way and we shouldn’t try to get rid of it, but change it and re-channel through a growth mindset. This process should not be rushed, focusing more on the right time and place to reflect. The aim of this time is not letting these thoughts get too out of hand and overwhelm us.
Reflection time is an important tool we have and should use effectively to improve performance. It’s okay to think about what has happened and how to improve the next try, even if the first didn’t make the desired outcome. If the thought process behind the task at hand is inside a set cycle it can work in our favour. Thinking of the skills, timing, steps required, visualising it before the task, doing it, then reflecting at the end or on the chair lift ride back up. Once you reach the top and have had time to reflect on the past it’s now time to repeat this process and be ready for the next present moment. Not letting our reflective thoughts become an emotional reaction and attaching these emotions to something that has even happened yet.
Separating the thinking and the doing, will allow us to be present in the moment of the task, run or attempt. Giving our full attention to whatever the moment presents and completely accepting of what it is. To be present and recognise the pressure and feelings in our lower body from the snowboard, air blowing on our face and the sounds that snow makes as the board moves across it. Much more attention to the doing than to the result of your trying to achieve through it. But… we need to think about what we are going to do before we do it.
So if it’s as simple as taking a deep breath after you close your eyes, stomping your board on the ground, fist bumping your friend, clapping your hands, releasing a noise from your mouth or clicking your binding straps one more time. Whatever it takes for you to get out of your mind. BE THERE IN THE MOMENT, BE PRESENT!