Let's talk about a powerful mindset shift that can transform an athlete's performance, especially in the world of motorsports. It's a simple yet profound concept that Jack Perkins, a former enduro co-driver for Triple Eight, has embraced and is now sharing with Will Brown, his teammate.
The mantra? Focus on the process, not the outcome.
This philosophy is not just a motivational slogan; it's a strategic approach to performance. When an athlete, like Will Brown, is fixated on the outcome - in this case, qualifying well - they may inadvertently neglect the crucial steps that lead to success.
As Perkins puts it, "If you're driving around thinking of the outcome, you'll forget the process." This is a critical insight into the psychology of performance. When under pressure, it's easy to become outcome-oriented, but this can lead to a breakdown in the very processes that bring success.
Now, let's delve into the specifics. Perkins suggests breaking down the qualifying lap into its constituent parts: hitting the first brake marker at Turn 1, maximizing grip through Turn 1, and getting on the throttle. Each corner of the lap is a process in itself, and executing these processes flawlessly is what delivers the desired outcome.
But why is Will Brown, a raw-speed driver, struggling with this? Perkins offers an interesting perspective. He believes that Brown's natural ability might be masking some of the finer details of the process. In contrast, a driver like Broc Feeney, who is currently outperforming Brown in qualifying, might be working a little harder and thus getting more out of each step.
This raises an intriguing question: Can Brown learn from Feeney's process and adapt it to his own driving style? Perkins suggests there might be a consistent trend in Feeney's approach that Brown could emulate to improve his own qualifying performance.
In my opinion, this is where the beauty of teamwork and shared knowledge within a racing team really shines. It's not just about individual talent; it's about learning from each other and adapting strategies to suit different driving styles.
As we head into the ITM Taupō Super440 this weekend, with three more qualifying sessions, it will be fascinating to see if Brown can apply this process-oriented mindset and turn his qualifying woes around.
So, to conclude, while the outcome is important, it's the journey and the processes we undertake that often define our success. It's a lesson not just for athletes but for anyone striving for excellence in their field.
