Confidence can be fragile. Put in the work to make it strong

The time is now to build!

There's no better time than right now to build up your confidence. To get more confidence, you need to challenge yourself against better competition while being victorious more often. You might feel that you are not as good as you could be, but you MUST start somewhere. You've heard it hundreds of times, to be the best, you got to beat the best! To be a better athlete, you have to beat better athletes. This isn't an overnight happening or even an one month solution.

Today's athletes want instant results. But confidence can't be rushed. You build confidence from victories beating better players and learning from the experiences. Pressure from your team or what you put on yourself, is actually a human thing. Taking the human element out should help you see more positive results. Confidence cures concentrating competitors.

Make up your mind!

The time is now to build!

Confidence is not something you learn by reading. Confidence MUST be earned. It happens after time. It can only happen through your experiences. It will happen with a good mental game. Your confidence will be highest with a GREAT MENTAL GAME! Misfortunes will happen and your confidence takes a hit. Remember, it's not the end of the world. Good athletes put negative matches behind them to focus on the next match.

There's much to learn to keep your confidence high in the beginning. The experiences from competing in tournaments as well as practice will pay you dividends during MUST WIN situations. Mental toughness isn't an accident waiting to happen or magic. It's now your time to Commit to Excellence to gain more confidence. It's about time you started having fun while going after your lifelong goals.

The sooner you start, the better!

Have you ever taken a mental game test?

You can't keep waiting to work on your mental game. Start working on your new mental game by answering these 20 questions. Answers have points ranging from 1 to 5. You should answer all questions to give you a better understanding of where your mental game is at. Take the test before beginning any new mental workouts. Retest in 31 days, after reading my first book, The Path to Excellence, to show how your point totals go through the roof and shoot for the moon.

And to think that you would never go back to college, but yet, here you are taking an enterance exam on a subject that all athletes need and will be using to compete for the championship!

Have you ever taken a mental game test?

YOU THINK YOU'RE MENTALLY TOUGH? SOME OF YOU COULD BE. TAKE THE TEST TO SEE YOUR TRUE POTENTIAL.

It's time to be tested to the max. Don't call your friends for answers, there will be no cheating allowed.

This is the mighty Mental fitness I.Q. test for you entrance application to the College of Mental Toughness for the Confidence 101 class. Score points from each question to show how mentally strong you are. 98% of you will be below 90 and will have work to do. You MUST score 30 or better before you're allowed into my College of Mental Toughness. Should you score less than 10 points, it's time to punt! This is the test that's in my first book.

Think you can get passing grade? You'll find out.

You have 10 minutes to finish the test.

1. Goals - Setting both long- and short-term goals for motivation.

1 pt = What's a goal?

2 pts= I don't have the time.

3 pts= I set a goal for the season.

4 pts= I set goals once in a while.

5 pts= I set a new goal after I accomplish one. Points = ____

2. Practice - Work on physical game weaknesses and to be physical ready.

1 pt = It won't help me.

2 pts= I don't have the time.

3 pts= Practice 2 or 3 times each season.

4 pts= Practice every other month.

5 pts= Practice at least every other week. Points = ____

3. Time - Allowing time to stretch and be mentally ready before match.

1 pt = Arrive just before the match.

2 pts= Arrive during practice.

3 pts= Arrive just when practice starts.

4 pts= Usually show up early to practice.

5 pts= Always early to get mentally prepared. Points = ____

4. Attitude - Expect positive results one shot at a time.

1 pt = More negative than positive.

2 pts= Positive once in a while.

3 pts= Positive only during positive outcomes.

4 pts= Positive during some negative.outcomes.

5 pts= Always positive, no matter what happens. Points = ____

5. Concentration - Focus for the five seconds needed for great shots.

1 pt = What do I focus on?

2 pts= I lose my focus easily.

3 pts= Focus about half the time.

4 pts= Focus 75% of the time.

5 pts= Focus 98% of the time. Points = ____

6. Confidence - Your ability to make good shots in pressure situations.

1 pt = I get real nervous before a match.

2 pts= I have won a few matches.

3 pts= I have won several matches.

4 pts= I have won a local top amatuer title.

5 pts= Won a professional title. Points = ____

7. Adjusting - Ability to fine tune your game between shots.

1 pt = Not comfortable making adjustments.

2 pts= Not sure an adjustment is needed.

3 pts= Adjust only after bad breaks.

4 pts= Some confidence with adjusting.

5 pts= Adjusting is my middle name. Points = ____

8. Pressure - Ability to relax when it matters the most.

1 pt = Put too much pressure on me.

2 pts= I handled it once or twice.

3 pts= Thrown good shots every now & then.

4 pts= It motivates me & helps focus.

5 pts= It is just another shot. Points = ____

9. Awareness - Avoiding negative thoughts and eliminating distractions.

1 pt = I feel sick from the negatives I faced.

2 pts= Hard to think with all the distractions.

3 pts= Some situations still bother me.

4 pts= Most situations don't bother me.

5 pts= Nothing bothers me. Points = ____

10. Intimidation - Realization that opponents play mind games.

1 pt = Opponents mess with me all the time.

2 pts= Half the time I get thrown off my game.

3 pts= A few times I was thrown off my game.

4 pts= I rarely get thrown off my game.

5 pts= I'm intimidating them with great shots. Points = ____

SUBTOTAL for 1st 10 Q's = _____

Time for the second half to start.

You now have 5 minutes to finish.

11. Pacing yourself - Keeping emotions even & not draining energy.

1 pt = I never get excited

2 pts= I show no emotion during the match

3 pts= Fist pumps all round is my usual routine

4 pts= I run shots out to keep it fun

5 pts= I show emotion to keep me energized Points = ____

12. Preparation - Dress for success and arive early for practice.

1 pt = I just show up.

2 pts= I show up to get equipment ready.

3 pts= Get mentally set after I show up.

4 pts= Get mentally set on way to the match.

5 pts= I show emotion to keep me energized. Points = ____

13. Pre-shot - Routine to keep you relaxed and focused for the shot.

1 pt = What's a routine?

2 pts= Had a routine that didn't help.

3 pts= Forget routine when playing poorly.

4 pts= Use routine on most shots.

5 pts= Use routine on all shots. Points = ____

14. Post-shot - Evaluate & determine adjustments when needed.

1 pt = What did happen?

2 pts= Is that what happened?

3 pts= Time for a tweak.

4 pts= I know why it happened.

5 pts= Threw a great shot, I'll throw one more. Points = ____

15. Conditions - Variables that can effect your sport.

1 pt = There are variables that can affect me?

2 pts= Playing in the wind sucks.

3 pts= Could you turn on the A.C.

4 pts= Only focused under some conditions.

5 pts= This is not my first rodeo. Points = ____

16. Different shots - Having different shots or strategies, using your B game.

1 pt = I never heard about a "B" game.

2 pts= Slowing my timing gives me options.

3 pts= Speeding up timing give me 3 options.

4 pts= Giving it spin could work for 4 options.

5 pts= Revolutions gives endless options. Points = ____

17. Offensive - Go for it all & grind it out during dificult conditions.

1 pt = I didn't know golf had offense.

2 pts= I never go for broke.

3 pts= Went for it once or twice.

4 pts= Went for it several times in the match.

5 pts= Experience dictates decisions. Points = ____

18. Equipment - Using good equipment that is up to date.

1 pt = Equipment I use was great 20 years ago.

2 pts= My 5 year old equipment works.

3 pts= You have to take care of equipment?

4 pts= I cleaned it two months ago.

5 pts= I check and clean it after each use. Points = ____

19. Financial - Managing money so you won't worry about paying bills.

1 pt = Forgot about the $300 hotel room.

2 pts= I donated $200 in this tournament.

3 pts= $100 in side action and now I'm broke.

4 pts= A $50 match, so I don't go broke.

5 pts= I'll use winnings from my last match. Points = ____

20. Temper - able to not let little things bother me.

1 pt = Threw golf club in lake

2 pts= Broke golf club over caddie's head

3 pts= Bent club by tossing it on the ground

4 pts= Kick things once in awhile

5 pts= Never ever lost my temper Points = ____

SUBTOTAL for 2nd 10 Q's = _____

TOTAL POINTS = ______

Are you as mentally strong as you thought?

Now you can grade your Fit IQ test. Remember this test is just for fun. It is geared to get you thinking more about what level your mental game is at. Your score will only indicate about what level your mental game is at. Very few will score above 95. A score below 95 means that practice, working on your mental game and experience during competition should be your future plans to succeed.

97-100. Congratulations on your sky high score! Everyone says you’re the G.O.A.T.

(Greatest of all time) and your test score proves that! You know all the side

streets to the zone and how to avoid dead end streets. You even know the

zone’s zip code so your GPS will take you there in a flash!.

80-96. Your experience put you in the top 10% of athletes. Post match evaluations

should reveal the few areas of your game that need work. This is where over

Half of those in the Hall of Fame are. You're close to showing your full potential.

65-79. It’s just a matter of time after working on your mental game that titles and

championships will come your way. Work on your confidence by taking the

Confidence 101 class online.

50-64 points. You’re above average which is good, but to be great you have more work

ahead of you. Show others that a little work makes competing more fun as

scoring higher has its rewards.

30-49 points. You show potential and your dedication will be rewarded as you work on

areas that need help. Nobody said sports would be easy. Putting in some work

will show improvements shortly.

0-29 points. Don’t give up your day job. Thank God you’re willing to improve and

motivated enough to put the work in.

If you read my first book, The Path to Excellence, after 31 days you should see dramatic improvement in your mental game. If your goal was to score above 64, it shows dedication and your wiliness not to be just kicked around in your sport. Scoring 65 or better will get people to notice your improvement.

I scored in the 90’s. Remember, I wrote the test and have seen a mental coach. But whatever you score, it’s about having fun while you’re competing and learning about you and the sport you compete in.

Scoring in the 80’s or above means you know what the mental game is about, but there’s always room for improvement.

NOTE: There are no wrong answers. This is really not an actual test. It should show the areas you should improve in. The future is yours. Have fun on your adventure! Don't forget to read my article on this page before beginning your first class.

See you in the zone! - Prof. Stats

Confidence comes from a consistent mental game!

Got confidence? Well maybe I can show you the way!

After you finish all 27 sections, you can print up your diploma, to show you endured my writing skills and finished a mental game seminar.

There are 27 ingredients or factors in my recipe for confidence. This recipe is for athletes who are bowlers, but maybe not so obviously, could be used for any sport. I’ll try to equate it for any athlete, but some explanations and examples will be bowling related. This will complement my book, The Path to Excellence, 31 Days to the Zone. My book goes into some details, but of the 345 factors that affect the mental game, there could be a book for each factor. This recipe is to help that bought my book and understand certain factors better as I’ve went into more detail in this article. Champions in any sport are confident athletes that are competitive. Confidence isn’t just for professionals. Amateurs can possess confidence while lacking a few skills to compete at the professional level. Experience plays a huge part as each event you participate in is another session to learn more about yourself and your sport. Experience is normally what separates pros from amateurs. The varied conditions, pressure and knowledge are the three biggest factors for the separation. Those of you that golf, know that the pros play on a course that is normally in great shape. Very few bad lies in the fairway, enough sand in the bunkers and the greens are faster. Very few city courses compare to what the pros compete on. The pro tennis players compete on grass, concrete and clay with each condition affecting the tennis ball a little different. I’ve played on concrete, so playing on grass and clay would be just a guess as what adjustment would be needed.

These 27 are listed in order with the next factor building on the total combination of all the previous factors. Once you have experienced and applied the entire group of 27 factors, your confidence level should have been raised at least one level. So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be to read each factor and analyze how it can make your game better. You’ll not only be doing homework, but for a change of pace for those of you that know me, you’ll be tested at the end, and you will get a passing grade J. The passing grade isn’t for knowing me, it’s for putting up with me for your thirst to become a better athlete.

All this knowledge on being confident is what the pros experience each and every week when competing. Some of this very helpful info, you’ll already know about. There may be a few things you’ll learn and use after reading the entire article. Some parts will include tips to help you think about certain factors, so when you need to roll another great shot, you’ll step up and deliver it. After all is said and done, and when you’re asked if you thought it was possible, you’ll respond by saying, “I’ve worked on my game, and anything is possible.

If the door to victory isn’t locked, this was my time to open the door and walk through.”

No matter how high your confidence is, positive events won’t happen every time. But with confidence, you’ll throw another great shot as you’ve done so many times in the past. With confidence, you’ll won’t hesitate to handle any situation. You’ll already know if any adjustments are needed, you’ll step up with in a relaxed state of mind, knowing that around 90% of these situations will be positive experiences. More positive experiences make it more fun and the reason to continue on your adventure for more great accomplishments. If you truly love your sport, you’ll want to improve to get the most enjoyment from competing in leagues as well as tournaments.

Confidence can’t be bought in a bottle. It won’t happen overnight, and it will take some work. Some of the work will cost money and of course, work takes time. Each factor has some detail as to why it’s needed to help your confidence. The more knowledgeable you are about these factors, the easier it is to excel. Once the excellence bug bites you, your confidence level should be fairly high. After getting the info on all these factors, your confidence level should be in the clouds J. And it should be at this time where success starts to happen. I’ve have said over one thousand times, success makes it fun. Success from your confidence, should help in cashing more weeks in brackets, when bowling league. Reality check. If you have had some success and your confidence level is at 2/3rds full because your scores are lower than normal, I’ll tell you where to get back some of your confidence later in this article. And yes, there are several other ways to top off your confidence starting with the first ingredient.

After you finish all 27 sections, you can print up your diploma, to show you endured my writing skills and finished a mental game seminar.

Confidence can be fragile. Put in the work to make it strong

The time is now to build!

The time is now to build!

The time is now to build!

Make up your mind!

The time is now to build!

The time is now to build!

The sooner you start, the better!

Have you ever taken a mental game test?

Have you ever taken a mental game test?

Have you ever taken a mental game test?

Have you ever taken a mental game test?

Have you ever taken a mental game test?

Think you can get passing grade? You'll find out.

You have 10 minutes to finish the test.

Time for the second half to start.

You now have 5 minutes to finish.

Are you as mentally strong as you thought?

GREAT, YOU PASSED. Time for building your confidence!

GREAT, YOU PASSED. Time for building your confidence!

GREAT, YOU PASSED. Time for building your confidence!

GREAT, YOU PASSED. Time for building your confidence!

GREAT, YOU PASSED. Time for building your confidence!

GREAT, YOU PASSED. Time for building your confidence!

My Mission:

Confidence comes from a consistent mental game!

Got confidence? Well maybe I can show you the way!

PG. 23 = C1/C4 - 5/31/24