CAUTION: Contents Under Pressure

"Too Much; enough already!": Once again feeling obliged to comment, after intending on taking a break from this post, to ease some pressure I have been placing on myself to keep you abreast of the Olympics, all the psychological 'gymnastics' already witnessed from afar, a few dramatic events unfolded right before our eyes (whether live or taped), when a few heavily favored athletes either buckled under, or withdrew from, competition, with "too much pressure" cited as the common denominator. Juxtaposed, we also witnessed and heard from athletes who talked about embracing the pressure, crediting difficult events in their lives, their journey to Tokyo, for steeling themselves, being able to better endure such acute pressure as that experienced in an Olympic event. Then there's the weight lifter from the Philippines (Hidilyn Diaz) who, while feeling the weight of history, given that this country's 97-year drought at the Olympics, set new Olympic records for the 55kg division for the Clean and Jerk at 127kg, and by lifting a total of 224kg; talk about pressure (the gifts of 660K, two homes and free flights will no doubt further lift her spirits)! So, What gives?!

Memory Lane, Disclosure: My first 'case' in formal sports psychology came to me in the form of a college gymnast, referred to me by her father, a colleague, to assist her in overcoming fear/anxiety associated with a routine and gymnastic move that I could hardly memorize, let alone try to begin even the most rudimentary of the routine no matter how much I could practice myself. Luckily, I did not need to be an expert on the routine but needed to familiarize myself enough to appreciate the difficulty/bodily risk involved, and moreover familiar myself with the inner workings of the young woman in front of me who, after injuring herself on this routine, had understandably built up a great deal of apprehension and...pressure. Sound familiar? Should be, not just from the news from Tokyo, but personal experiences from us all, not always referencing physical, but also psychological injury, embarrassment, feelings of humiliations, etc., after coming up short. For those spectators and for those among us who are presently engaged, preparing to perform in any domain of life, it's critical to understand (and probably already apparent to all of you) that the present performance does not occur in a vacuum, that there are always well, other pressures to consider. Which is why, when I function as a 'performance psychologist', I have to get to know the whole person, not just the athlete, musician, aspiring thespian, student, etc. Which in turn makes the process that much more dynamic, interesting. And why, when I have been asked in the last 24 hours what I think went wrong with these young, but seasoned athletes, I have had to respond "I don't have a clue". Humbling for me as well. Oh, as for that young gymnast I assisted many Olympics ago, after a combination of talk therapy (aka 'motivational interviewing'), biofeedback/relaxation/visualization strategies, and a few other trade secrets I will hold back for the time being, she went out and successfully completed the routine -- I felt like I was there, the thrill of victory! It was just as much a privilege to keep in touch with her throughout the rest of her gymnastic career and then into her career as a...psychologist!

       More on this in the next few days, certainly over the next few weeks. But for now, I leave you with this caution: "Don't get too used to or expect these daily updates, commentaries, posts; it's just too much..."