If you are stuck, then say it. Do not pretend that all is OK.

And always tell your coach the truth.

If that is too hard, then at least have the courage to tell the person in the mirror…

No matter what level you may find yourself, there are so many things that you must / should / could do in order to become a top performer. It is overwhelming and worse of all, the multitude of choices can shake any confidence you may have. The last thing an athlete needs, is another expert telling them what to do.

So…

Begin with acknowledging what is working well for you. Perhaps you had a little luck in getting good at it, but maybe you have been working on it for years and the payoffs are now being seen. Can you keep getting even better overall just by focusing on that one part? Or do you need to sort out all parts and begin to prioritize?

Instead of trying to drastically improve all your lesser skills right now, shift your focus to getting your confidence higher in your specialties. If an additional skill can coexist with your better skills, then add some focused time on it. If everything keeps improving together, then go to the next skill or push for a higher level of that specialty skill.

Be very aware what changes and what you must balance as your entire skill set evolves. Basics are important even if they are not flashy.

Remember, no one will ever know how hard you are working except for you.

This site includes many ideas, tips and tricks for improving your performance in whatever sport you have chosen. It combines many decades worth of experience in archery, triathlon, middle distance running, open water & sprint swimming, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, ballet and badminton, as well as formal education focused on the mental side of peak performance:

• Golf Psychology Coach – PGA EUROPE
• Sports Psychology Diploma – UK
• Peak Performance Coach Diploma – UK
• Archery Instructor – Level 1 and Level 2 – USA
• Swimming Instructor – Canada

Although I am focused on archery now, I use all my sporting history to make training plans and answer questions for those who dare to ask.

My clients include archers, triathletes, golfers, tennis and hockey players, bobsled and race car pilots in Europe, Asia and North America. Sessions have always been flexible as the world is crazy and what works well for one person, does not fit for the next.

Hopefully, you will find something here to help you find your best performance too,

Best wishes to all. See you soon.

Kelea Quinn

–> For details about my archery results, rankings and sponsors, please check HERE.