#61: Identifying and Solving Performance Problems
In the last month, I've taken a break from writing this newsletter to consider the best strategy going forward.
Personally, I don't read short newsletters anymore. I read books, research, and long-form analysis. I've always wanted to write something I found useful, so I'm at a crossroads. I'm currently considering two options:
Option 1: Record short-form video content weekly
Option 2: Write a deep-dive newsletter every month on something practical in relation to performance psychology
If you've any thoughts, I'd welcome them. Even if it's been a while (or ever) since we spoke.
In the meantime, this is a version of a long form article I think could be useful from a practical point of view.
The Biggest Problem for Performers
Before I started studying and working with performers, I thought everyone had unique problems.
After sitting across from over 300 people in a 1-1 capacity, and with over 5,000 people as part of group presentations, I can tell you that's more right than wrong but it doesn't tell the full picture. My experiences so far tell me that problems are simultaneously general and specific.
The next time you're looking at a problem you're facing, I'd like you to ask yourself, what elements of this are general and which are specific. In the following example, I've changed some details for anonymity and for illustration purposes. It's an example of two performers from different domains and seemingly different problems.
Presenting Problems Performer 1: Elite underage player preparing for the championship
Problem presented
Arguing with his girlfriend because he wants to go to bed early when he gets home from training (90 mins on pitch, intense, with a recovery routine to adhere to building into a big game)
His (brief) take on the problem
Not sure what to do. Feels misunderstood in the main. Thinks his girlfriend probably doesn't understand sport or how competitive it is. Finds it easier to avoid seeing her on training days. Not sure about the long-term prospects of the relationship when they repeatedly argue over this.
Summary of problem identification
Possibly to find a girlfriend who understands sport more or potentially considering being single to focus on training full-time
Performer 2: Chartered accounting student studying for professional exams
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Problem presented
Arguing with his girlfriend who wants to go on holiday during his (paid) study leave for six days. His total study leave is 12 weeks and she has said he can study during the day while they are there. Their friends are going and one of them is sitting the same exams (and is happy to take the six days off study).
His (brief) take on the problem
Feels misunderstood in the main. Works very hard to achieve his goals and takes these exams very seriously. Is conscious a lot of people fail and if he did it would have financial and career consequences for him (those who fail the repeats have their contracts terminated). Finds it hard to accept that a relationship could be adding pressure to a situation where his belief it should be helping it.
Summary of problem identification
Really isn't sure. Pretty annoyed at the whole situation and wonders should he be in a relationship with someone more caring.
Analysing Problems
In both situations, you can identify both the general and specific parts of the problems presented.
General: Disagreeing with someone you're in a relationship with.
Specifics: Everything else that makes it feel unique (exam holidays, routine after training).
In both situations, these problems were causing performance issues as they were draining mental energy. The two individuals felt the problems were specific and a potential solution could be an alternative relationship. In reality, I think they had done a poor job of looking at the problems they were experiencing. Questions I would ask in these situations are usually to get the individual to consider alternatives based on the background. In this situation, they would have been something similar to:
- Is there an alternative that you could suggest instead of (meeting after training/going on holidays) what it currently is?
- What did your partner say when you spoke to her about what your goals are and how these could impede them?
As I am pursuing my sports psychology accreditation, I'm in the process of understanding what type of sports psychologist I want to be. I believe my job is a facilitator of discussion rather than an advisor. That will always be the case. When I worked with sports psychologists in the past, I never liked hearing their opinion or advice. It felt so out of the loop. Because of that I never offer advice, but rather ask questions.
I believe every performer knows their situation well enough to find solutions once they have clarity on what the problems are. In both situations above, the lads are happily with the same people. By simply talking to them about their goals, and how they'd like to find an alternative to the suggestions, both people said of course (as most supportive people would in any relationship).
Final Takeaway
Accurately identifying problems is a skill. If you're a normal person you're probably poor at it (I was). I wouldn't be concerned about it unless you've a problem that's really hindering your performance.
A good way to figure this out is looking at your process of solving problems. If you spend 90% of your time looking for solutions and 10% on identifying the problems, there's a good chance you're walking down a path of inefficiency. Most performers spend weeks, months and sometimes years trying to find a solution to a problem they think they have.
The next time you're solving a problem, try to outline what part is general and specific. Write them down on paper. The general problems have 100+ books written by different authors on how to tackle them. Google it! Try amazon or Reddit for suggestions. You'd be shocked at how big Reddit communities are discussing problems and at how good authors are at framing different parts of general problems. Once you're confident about the general part, add in your own unique perspective to a solution and try it.
I hope you enjoyed the longer form. If you did, give it a like to signal I should keep this style up! Other wise you could be watching me on video in the near future.
Until then,
Patrick
Patrick@performancelabs.ie