You may recall my recent post on Chris Parsons’s book “Skill Sets”. If not, you can visit it HERE
Doug Parsons – no relation to Chris, had first introduced me to this book. As it turns out, I returned the favor by reminding Doug P of Chris’s work by writing about it in my post. Doug emailed me to let me know that the post had helped him to remember to trust the process, and by extension, to trust himself in a recent sporting clays competition.
Doug graciously allowed me to share his testimonial in the hopes that by publishing it in the blog, it might help others on their own journey.
Here, in his own words, are Doug’s comments:
Mike,
Thank you for your most recent blog post re: Skill Sets. It made me remember the power and magic of a strong finish. Last Saturday at Kidd’s Place, I knew I had a “decent” round going into the last few stations, so as I was pushing my cart up the steep hill toward #10, I thought back to the part in the book about how most tournaments are won or lost on the last station or two… sometimes even the last pair of the last station. So, I told myself that if I would just remain focused, remember to breathe and follow the process, everything would be fine and I’d finish strong. Well, truth be told, it was indeed the last station that did it for me. After watching my squad mates struggle with the challenging true pair abruptly appearing from behind the trees on our right, I chose to trust myself that I could break the targets in the “opposite order”. Indeed, it was the right decision because I not only ran that difficult 4-pair station, doing it won me the tournament in my class, and the 4 punches garnered boosted me into A-Class, thereby achieving my goal for the year. Crushing the last pair of targets on the last station on a very challenging course is what did it for me!
I’ve pulled Chris Parsons’ Skill Sets back off the shelf for a timely reread.
Thanks again, my friend, for this powerful reminder that, according to Yogi, “It ain’t over till it’s over”!
Bang Bang… Dead Pair,
Doug
Many thanks to Doug for sharing his story. And a big congratulations for executing perfectly in the heat of competition and punching up to A-Class! Well done Doug! Comments from other recreational athletes who have found content here on the blog to be useful really makes my day! So – how is your mental game progressing? How do you practice mental skills? I would love to hear your story and possibly even publish it here to share with others!