The answer is that top athletes not only perfect their physical skills, they also train to master the psychological skills that allow them to deliver their best in competition. They know that they must learn the mental skills of competition now, in order to achieve excellence in the future. When it all comes together, athletes call it being in the Zone. Athletes recognize the Zone as a special place where their performance is exceptional and consistent. Performance is automatic and flowing.
Competition is fun and exciting.
In 1987, Dr. Murphy became the first full-time sport psychologist at the United States Olympic Committee's Training Center in Colorado Springs. Since then, he has worked every day with America's best athletes. For several years, we have been working with clients from businesses large and small, teaching them the skills of success which I use with Olympic athletes. Our clients tell us that the skills we teach help them achieve their best under pressure, allow them to stay focused during difficult tasks, and enable them to enjoy even the most challenging assignments. Athletes know all about the pressures of competition.