I’m always amazed at the inspiration that comes from children’s movies. One of my favourites is Kung Fu Panda. In the movie, a food loving, out of shape panda named Po aspires to be a Kung Fu Master. After a funny series of events, he is accepted into the Kung Fu training program led by Master Oogway, a wise old turtle.
One of my favourite lines by the wise Master Oogway really gives some food for thought:
“Quit, don’t quit? Noodles, don’t noodles? You are too concerned about what was and what will be. There is a saying: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
If you want your best performance, it’s imperative you stay in the present moment, in the now, so that you are 100% focused on the task at hand. Only with that 100% focus can you hope to have your best performance, anything less gives your competitors a chance to sneak in.
You don’t need to be perfect, and the more you train yourself to compete in the present moment – without delving into thoughts of the past or what might be in the future – the greater your opportunity for peak performance.
For added inspiration, I recommend you check out Kung Fu Panda – definitely a great pre-tournament or pre-meet movie!