Good Performances Are Like Competitions: What We Can Learn from Athletes
A Personal Project with Great Motivation
For 12 months, I've been training for my project "Malaga 2018" – competing in the 800 meters and 1,500 meters at the World Masters Athletics Championships (or as we would say in German: the Senior World Championships). Sounds kind of terrible, right? As if I'm running with a walker. But when I tell friends that with training, my blog "Knacki Runs", and traveling to training, physio, or the doctor, I easily spend 20 to 25 hours per week, I can understand why they often ask: "Will you really see this through to the end?"
Persevering Despite Doubts: What Drives Me
Of course, I'll see it through! Yet, I have often asked myself: "Why am I doing this?" What keeps me going? Is it really just about winning? I've gained two key insights:
It takes more than just the will to win. To keep going and get through dry spells, you need a mission – a personal reason that embeds your goal into a broader motivational system.
My mission consists of three parts:
- The desire to "close the deal": Finally competing in a major competition.
- Showing others that even as we age, we still have a future.
- Embarking on a crazy adventure and enjoying it.
Competitions as a School for Life
My training hasn't just helped me athletically, but also in terms of performances and presentations. After 34 years of stage experience, I thought I knew everything about performing, presenting, and speaking. However, preparing for competitions has shown me that one should also mentally prepare for challenges on stage.
Mentally Strong: Preparation Is Key
- In sports, visualization techniques are standard practice. So why not apply them to performances as well?
- Imagine yourself walking on stage, delivering the first line, and staying calm even in difficult situations.
- The most important stage rule: “If something goes wrong – smile!”
- Mentally rehearse challenging situations: technical issues or difficult audiences, and visualize yourself staying calm and friendly.
Mental Strength Even When Nervous
Right before my first competition, I was reminded how nervous one can get just before a performance. But as soon as negative thoughts arise, you should actively push them aside: "No, I've been looking forward to this! I'm nervous? So what!"
If you just have “no desire,” the problem often lies in wrong preparation.
Fear is understandable; everyone has it, and it shows you're on the right path.
Cool and Friendly: Performing Successfully
It's important to be both cool AND friendly – even if you don't feel that way. Act out this attitude until it becomes reality. This isn't self-deception; it's a technique based on behavioral psychology. Acting skills help generate the right mood and improve competition quality.
The "Walk of Champions": Stepping Up with Confidence
Great athletes set the example: The Walk of Champions – stepping onto the stage with confidence and joy. Your mood determines how you come across. Mentally prepare yourself and work on your posture and expression.
Conclusion: Mastering Performances Successfully
- Preparation is everything: Use visualization techniques.
- Mental mindset before the performance: Look forward to it!
- Walk of Champions: The right body language and mood can significantly improve your performance.
Would you like to see Klaus Jürgen "Knacki" Deuser live? Get your tickets now for the 11th Cologne Knowledge Forum!
