Staying Focused and Avoiding Distractions: A Multi-Sport Athlete’s Guide

Hey everyone, Laney here from laneyk.com. Juggling multiple sports can be amazing – it keeps things interesting, helps you develop well-rounded skills, and lets you experience the thrill of competition in different arenas. But with so much going on, it can be tough to stay focused and avoid distractions, both on and off the field.

Staying Focused: Overcoming Setbacks with Resilience

Don’t worry, fellow sports athletes, I’ve been there! Here are some tips that have helped me with staying focused and avoiding distractions:

Set Clear Priorities

At the beginning of each week or even each day, take some time to prioritize your tasks. Schoolwork, practices, games, and even relaxation time all need to fit into your schedule. Maybe there’s an upcoming big game in one sport, so you need to dedicate some extra practice time. The Laney Way is all about finding balance, so use this prioritization time to ensure you can give your all to each area of your life.

Minimize Multitasking

While it might seem productive to try and do homework while watching TV, research shows that multitasking reduces focus. When it’s homework time, shut off your phone notifications and find a quiet space to concentrate. The same goes for practice – give 100% of your attention to the drills and instructions from your coach.

Create a Pre-Game Ritual

Develop a routine that helps you get into the zone before each competition. Whether it’s listening to your favorite pump-up playlist, doing some visualization exercises, or simply taking a few deep breaths to center yourself, a pre-game ritual can help you clear your mind of distractions and prepare to perform your best.

Silence the Noise

Social media, texting, and the constant buzz of your phone notifications can be major focus-stealers. Consider putting your phone on silent or airplane mode during practice or class, and schedule specific times to check it throughout the day.

Communicate with Your Coaches and Teachers

Let your coaches and teachers know your schedule for all your sports. This will help them be understanding when you need to adjust deadlines or miss a practice due to another game. Open communication helps everyone stay on the same page.

Reward Yourself for Focus

Staying focused takes discipline, so celebrate your victories! Did you avoid checking your phone during a long study session? Did you stay laser-focused on the coach’s instructions during practice? Treat yourself to a small reward to acknowledge your accomplishment and keep yourself motivated.

Remember, Focus is a Skill

Just like any other skill, the ability to focus takes practice. The more you work on minimizing distractions and staying present in the moment, the easier it will become.

Do you have any tips for staying focused as a multi-sport athlete? Share them in the comments!

Stay focused and crush your goals,

Laney