CONCEPT MAPPING

By

Wayne Oras

The idea being presented below was developed for use in competitive diving but can be changed for use in any endeavor where results are important to the user. This is a mind setting formula specifically designed to produce positive results. The first line is meant to focus on the positive aspects of one's own performance. It seems that when one focuses on the positive things they do, they inevitably become more positive in the things they do and the way they act.

In the example below, a particular dive and it's performance becomes the focus. The diver is asked to recall his/her best performance of the dive. Then they are asked to analyze it and list the things that they feel made it successful for them. The diver, in this case, identified four general categories and then further divided these into eight more specific tasks he/she has to do to achieve this best dive. The number of levels down, depends on the task being performed. It can be as complex or as simple as the user decides it needs to be. At this point the diver must begin converting all of these complex movements into feelings or sensations. During a motor skill or reactionary activity, it appears that the more the analytical part of the brain is involved, the more confusion happens in carrying out even a simple task.

In studies of simple reaction time, when the analytical brain was asked to make a decision at the moment of reaction, the reaction time tripled. The analytical part of the brain must be put on hold to allow the physical task to be performed without interference. Rather than concentrating on the details of how to do a task, the diver should focus in on the feelings of the well executed task. The body seems to operate at its best when the mind is not cluttered with too much detail. When the diver achieves this, consistency and level of performance rise allowing them to achieve the dive they imagined.

Success in contest performance seems to be based on the competitor's perceptions of their own abilities and their idea of where or if they fit into the competitive picture. Focusing in on the positive aspects of performance increases self-esteem and trust in one's abilities. This is the foundation for self-confidence and pride in performance. At this point self-motivation seems to kick in and the picture of fitting in becomes more clear. This opens the door for self- determination and the will to succeed, making it possible for the execution of that best performance.

This is a form of positive mental imagery but it focuses on a performance that already has been achieved. It is meant to be a realistic goal setting procedure that is achievable and believable by the diver because he/she has already done it before.