Sports Psychology Quiz:

Do you prepare for each and every performance? How well do you make yourself ready to be at your best? Do you have a specific plan for getting psyched up to your optimal levels? Peak performers have strategies they use to get into the right mental, physical and emotional state to perform to their potential.

Have you ever taken an inventory of your ability to prepare mentally? Why not take one right now?

Do You Fail To Prepare Or Prepare To Fail?

Most people don't prepare to fail - they just fail to prepare. If you make a concerted effort to prepare specifically, instead of just hoping you will perform well, then you often create a more successful outcome. Control as much of your fate as possible by taking your preparation into your own hands.

The Top Twenty Preparation Strategies

I have identified twenty success strategies which top performers utilize. They are mental, physical and emotional tools used to prepare fully for any performance.

To find your Mental Preparation Quotient, simply read each factor and give yourself a rating on it from 1 (I do not have this skill) to 5 (I have this skill somewhat) to 10 (I really have this skill), or anywhere in between. Total your score and see the chart at the end for your MPQ.

People who mentally prepare successfully utilize these strategies and skills. Do you make these a part of your success plan?

1. Make an overall game plan.

2. Make back-up and emergency contingency plans.

3. Eat specific meals at specific times to maintain blood chemistry.

4. Check all equipment you will use ahead of time.

5. Stretch and exercise to burn off excess nervous energy.

6. Visualize your success in the performance.

7. Warm-up everything you will use in your performance.

8. Seek a coach or confidant who will listen to you.

9. Wear clothes that make you feel confident.

10. Provide some quiet time for yourself.

11. Check out the venue where you will perform.

12. Use positive self-talk and positive imagery.

13. Watch your best performances on video tape.

14. Be around people who support you and make you feel confident.

15. Be around people who are excellent models of mental toughness.

16. Know your opening tactics cold so they are automatic.

17. Read your mental training journal for evidence of past successes.

18. Maintain a consistent, organized schedule so there is no last-minute rushing.

19. Seek support staff to reduce pressure on yourself.

20. Stay tuned to any last minute time or program changes for your event.

Scoring Your Mental Preparation Quotient (MPQ)

If you scored 0-49 you are in the beginning stages of learning how to prepare for performances. Absorb all you can.

If you scored 50-99 you are making some headway, but still have much to learn. Jump in head first.

If you scored 100-149 you are building your ability to prepare fully. Keep up the good work.

If you scored 150-200 you have quite a strong mental preparation quotient profile. Congratulations!

The Next Step Is Yours

Will you make the decision to improve your ability to prepare as well as possible, starting right now? If you do, the results will amaze you. Ask yourself these questions: 1. What factors from the above list can I begin doing or improve on right now? 2. What larger changes do I need to make in my life to reach the upper levels of a solid Mental Preparation Quotient?

For a comprehensive overview of your mental abilities you need an assessment instrument that identifies your complete mental strengths and weaknesses. Here is a free, easy-to-take 65-item sport psychology assessment tool you can score right on the spot. This assessment gives you a quick snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses in your mental game. You can use this as a guide in creating your own mental training program, or as the basis for a program you undertake with mental coach Bill Cole, MS, MA to improve your mental game. This assessment would be an excellent first step to help you get the big picture about your mental game.