As a recreational ski racer, I can vouch for the power of mind over matter. I have participated and witnessed over many years, many levels and many ages, the anxiety that causes havoc on the course. Racers, as well as free skiers, can perform at much higher levels depending on their mind-set. I had the opportunity to participate in a Peak Performance session offered to the sales associates in my office this summer. The executive consultants described techniques to help us reach higher levels in our business and also mentioned that athletes also have learned to incorporate this Peak Performance technique to enhance their level of competition. Thus the topic of this year’s article: Altitude Adjustment, or reaching new levels through Peak Performance.

Altitude Adjustment, or reaching new levels through Peak Performance

"few   tips that may get you Gold on the next NASTAR"

I am not going to attempt to instruct Peak Performance, but I will try to explain the concept and offer a few other tips that may get you Gold on the next NASTAR or at least jump you into the next category of PACRAT by simply having an "Altitude Adjustment" the day of a race. Begin your morning by focusing your attention on the recreational aspect of the day. Wake up and be ready to have some fun. Keep in mind that a day on the slopes is always better than a day of work, even in Oregon’s unpredictable climate. If the weather dampens your spirits before you even get into the ski area parking lot, you may want to consider another recreation. If it’s raining and you have to race, just put on the Hefty Bag rain gear and a smile. Rub some F4 wax on your skis and get down the course as quickly as possible. Wear the right clothing and be prepared for snow and wind. Don’t let the outer elements enter into your mind until after the race. If you have a good run down the course, that is what you’ll remember from the day and you will have plenty to talk about later at the lodge. If you use your mind, you can control your body. Try not to let your body control your mind.

Another tip is to loosen up before each run. Do a little stretching and converse with your body. Let it know what it is about to do. Positive self talk will heal any reservations and give you the confidence to peak. When our ski club is together at the top of the course, which does happen on occasion, I try to get our team loosened up and ready to roll by leading them in ski aerobics. It’s not just to intimidate other racers; it’s actually to focus their minds and bodies on what they are doing. The team begins to laugh and relax and they can let their minds and muscles release their anxiety. Anxiety is a physiological action and can cause stiffness on the course that does not lead to peak performance.

"It’s not just to intimidate other racers; it’s actually to focus their minds and bodies on what they are doing"

"The concept of Peak Performance was first researched and introduced to psychologists by Dr. Shapiro, a researcher at the Mental Health Institute in North California."

Now, if you really want to get serious and strive for a faster time down the course, you may want to receive some technical training on your mental attitude. This will provide a foundation of confidence and increase your mental performances. The concept of Peak Performance was first researched and introduced to psychologists by Dr. Shapiro, a researcher at the Mental Health Institute in North California. Eye Movement Desensitize Reprocessing, or more commonly referred to as EMDR, has helped Olympic Athletes, business people, and ordinary weekend warriors achieve new levels in their performance. Executive Consultants Diane DeSylvia and Nan Steenson are local instructors of EMDR and led the "Peak Performance" session for my associates.

The simple new peak performance technique can result in rapid transformation of difficult tasks to those that can be easily mastered. EMDR can enhance the traditional techniques of peak athletic performance, such as positive visualization and thought re-focus. This is an easy technique to learn and takes only five minutes to perform. A skier can use this either days prior to an event or at the top of the course, or both. Successful use of EMDR quickly shifts the mind from the anxiety focus to a calm, more "I can do this!" reality.

"MDR can enhance the traditional techniques of peak athletic performance, such as positive visualization and thought re-focus."

"This new technique kicks the brain out of the anxiety and back on the track quickly"

"Some of my clients have experienced anxiety before or during an event much like getting a car stuck in the mud in a race track. This new technique kicks the brain out of the anxiety and back on the track quickly, without so much effort as before," says Diane DeSylvia, performance coach.

"We help clients create images, such as those used by Olympic athletes, to learn how to execute their ideal and combine them with the positive beliefs necessary to achieve their goal. This accelerated learning can help an athlete go not only from anxious to functional, but also from functional to exceptional." To learn more about Bilateral Stimulation, contact Diane DeSylvia, performance coach in Lake Oswego, Oregon at (503) 636-4767.

"Skiing, as any other sport, requires training of both the mind and body."

"An altitude adjustment can peak your performance and lead you to higher levels this season."

Skiing, as any other sport, requires training of both the mind and body. Mental imagery can help you increase confidence by imagining yourself tackling the slopes, knowing who is in charge, and playing every scenario in your head. An altitude adjustment can peak your performance and lead you to higher levels this season.