Archive: August 2006

Distractions and setbacks

In his second installment, Dr. Wilson delves deeper into why distractions disrupt

By Dr. Rodney Wilson

All of us have to deal with distractions—those (intentional or accidental), interruptions that happen to everyone. They never come at a good time and they always prevent concentration.

So in the broad sense, how does one deal with distractions? One must concentrate fully on the task at hand, remain focused and use positive cue words that will trigger the right feelings and responses.

I'd like to give you an example of two major distractions that happened to me. On February 4, 2003, while playing volleyball, I suffered a devastating injury. After leaping to block a spike at the net, I came down on top of an opposing player and completely destroyed two tendons and three ligaments in my left foot and ankle. I was told later that I needed immediate surgery, and that after surgery, I would heal but would never participate in any sport due to the probable instability in my left ankle, foot and leg, especially as a result of my age at that time (44 years old). I was also told that I may not be able to walk properly again.

After surgery, I was told to rehabilitate myself, by myself. I accepted my distractions.I accepted my injury. I accepted the hand that was dealt, but I refused to give in or quit.

So as angry as I was, I moved on. I gathered information concerning my injury and educated myself, then I set daily achievable goals, i.e. taking two steps with my left leg first with, and then without, crutches. Then I got mean, really mean. I mean junkyard dog mean.

Not at anyone else but an inner anger (cue words) that drove me towards my first major objectives, i.e. walk 100 meters in 60 seconds, to slow jogging 100 meters in 45 seconds, to running 100 meters in 30 seconds, and finally striding 100 meters in less than 20 seconds. I gave myself six months to accomplish those feats after my cast had been removed. Yet, through the grace of God, I accomplished those feats in less than four months time.

My second setback happened in July 2005. With 50 lbs. of weight in my hands, I was struck from behind and tore my right superior labrum (right shoulder, right rotator cuff injury). Another major distraction, and yes another surgery, but this time, the new doctor and his staff were supportive and I was not nearly as junkyard dog mean. I refused to give in and give up on my December 2005 surgery and rehabilitation. I became mentally tough and currently I am well on my way to recovery.

In the book In Pursuit Of Excellence 3rd Edition: How to win in sport and life through mental training the author, Dr. Terry Orlick examines distraction control. Orlick states that one should look for advantages in every situation; find the positives in those situations; refuse to get caught up in distractions; know that you can enjoy the experience and perform well regardless of the circumstance, as well as turn bad moods into good moods. Bring yourself into this frame of mind and then let your body lead.

In the book Sports Slump Busting, the author, Dr. Alan S. Goldberg discusses becoming mentally tough. Goldberg states that mental toughness is the ability to stand tall in the face of adversity. The key to developing mental toughness is learning how to handle failure and to put it to work for you.

He gives these following observations: a. view failure as an opportunity for success by accepting it, explaining it and moving forward, b. do not view a setback as permanent, c. do not view a setback as pervasive (it will always be like this), and take responsibly (ownership) for moving forward. Finally, Goldberg states that "reboundability" from failures is a key component of mental toughness.

In the previous edition of Healthy & Fit, I mentioned that in order to control distractions you must concentrate fully the objectives that you want to achieve, remain focused, use positive cue words and go play. In addition, let's add the following statements: 1. control only what you can control, 2. be proud of your efforts, 3. view failure as an opportunity for success, and finally, 4. let's see you demonstrate that "reboundability".

Then again, as Goldberg concludes, and I agree "At times all may appear to be lost, don't be deceived. The feelings of failure (or distractions) are in reality the doorway to ultimate success."

In my words and no matter what happens in life: Stand Tall, Live and GO PLAY and keep on playing. Play Well, Play Long and Play Strong!!

Dr. Rodney Wilson is a sports psychologist, and has helped several area athletes to greatness with his valuable insights. Plus he's quite an athlete himself.