3 Focus Points to Excel at Training Camp This Year
2023 Training Camps are here!
The off-season work is done. The previous season is in the past. It’s go time!
The off-season work is done. The previous season is in the past. It’s go time!
Are you ready to excel at training camp this year with confidence?
Every training camp is filled with both excitement and nerves. The stakes of potentially getting cut mixed with the excitement of a new season, a fresh start, and an opportunity to take ground on our dream again can cause us to struggle for confidence if we are not ready.
Focused intensity is vital to a strong start to the season.
This week, we discuss the power of focus, and three focus points to empower us to excel at training camp.
Focused intensity is vital to a strong start to the season.
This week, we discuss the power of focus, and three focus points to empower us to excel at training camp.
- Focus Outward
- Focus Forward
- Focus Vertical
The Power of Focus
Focus is powerful.
When a lamp shines, it spreads and brightens an entire room. When that same light instead becomes focused on one specific point, it becomes a laser so powerful it can cut through steel.
Focused intensity is even more powerful.
As Competitors for Christ, when laser focus is combined with relentless intensity, we become a powerful force full of confidence, competing with excellence, and living out a God-given purpose to glorify God and make an eternal impact.
Too often, the stakes and emotions of training camp distract us from our God-given purpose, our vision, and our Power Source, the Lord Jesus Christ. The result is increased anxiety, doubt, and fear. Our confidence and performance suffers.
To excel at training camp, we need focused intensity.
We need laser focus combined with relentless intensity in three specific directions. All three work together to focus us on what matters most.
When we have our eyes fixed outward, forward, and vertical everything elevates and we set ourselves up to absolutely crush training camp!
When a lamp shines, it spreads and brightens an entire room. When that same light instead becomes focused on one specific point, it becomes a laser so powerful it can cut through steel.
Focused intensity is even more powerful.
As Competitors for Christ, when laser focus is combined with relentless intensity, we become a powerful force full of confidence, competing with excellence, and living out a God-given purpose to glorify God and make an eternal impact.
Too often, the stakes and emotions of training camp distract us from our God-given purpose, our vision, and our Power Source, the Lord Jesus Christ. The result is increased anxiety, doubt, and fear. Our confidence and performance suffers.
To excel at training camp, we need focused intensity.
We need laser focus combined with relentless intensity in three specific directions. All three work together to focus us on what matters most.
When we have our eyes fixed outward, forward, and vertical everything elevates and we set ourselves up to absolutely crush training camp!
3 Focus Points to Excel at Training Camp
1. Focus Outward
Get your eyes off of self and onto impacting others
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
Focused intensity starts by going outward.
When training camp starts, it is easy to become inward focused. Like an arrow coming from the Outside-In, we can become consumed with what coaches, scouts, and others think of us and our performance. When we do we focus on what our outward appearance (stats, position, playing time, contract, reputation, mistakes, level) says about us.
Inward focus always results in insecurity, doubt, and decreased performance.
To excel at training camp, we need to get OUTWARD focused intensity.
Outward focus lets go of self and becomes fixated on impacting others and the game. As Competitors for Christ, our sport is our tool to glorify God and impact lives for eternity. Our sport does not define us (inward focus). Rather, we use our sport to make an eternal impact (outward focus).
Outward focus increases our confidence, resilience, mental toughness, and intensity.
Every day at training camp, we must choose to drive the arrow of impact outward. How?
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Focused intensity starts by going outward.
When training camp starts, it is easy to become inward focused. Like an arrow coming from the Outside-In, we can become consumed with what coaches, scouts, and others think of us and our performance. When we do we focus on what our outward appearance (stats, position, playing time, contract, reputation, mistakes, level) says about us.
Inward focus always results in insecurity, doubt, and decreased performance.
To excel at training camp, we need to get OUTWARD focused intensity.
Outward focus lets go of self and becomes fixated on impacting others and the game. As Competitors for Christ, our sport is our tool to glorify God and impact lives for eternity. Our sport does not define us (inward focus). Rather, we use our sport to make an eternal impact (outward focus).
Outward focus increases our confidence, resilience, mental toughness, and intensity.
Every day at training camp, we must choose to drive the arrow of impact outward. How?
- Let go of self by standing firm in our Identity in Christ and choosing to trust God with the future.
- Choose to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Our sport is our tool to glorify God and impact lives for eternity. Our career is not about us. We compete for Christ and use our gifts to make an eternal impact.
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
2. Focus Forward
Get your eyes off of yesterday and onto tomorrow
"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." Proverbs 4:25
What would happen if we were driving seventy miles an hour on the highway staring in the rear view mirror? Disaster!
Yet, this is how so many of us athletes compete at training camp. We attempt to drive forward toward our vision, but our eyes are fixated on last season and yesterdays mistakes.
To excel at training camp, we need to get FORWARD focused intensity.
We must let go of yesterday and focus forward on our vision for tomorrow.
Every day at training camp, our vision needs to be before us so we can take ground, stay focused, and overcome opposition.
The Apostle Paul said, "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14).
The Apostle Paul lived with FORWARD focused intensity.
It is time to stop staring in the rear view mirror while we drive toward our vision. We need to fix our eyes forward on where we are going, not on where we have been or on what is going on around us (Proverbs 4:25).
For help setting a vision, consider the questions below.
What would happen if we were driving seventy miles an hour on the highway staring in the rear view mirror? Disaster!
Yet, this is how so many of us athletes compete at training camp. We attempt to drive forward toward our vision, but our eyes are fixated on last season and yesterdays mistakes.
To excel at training camp, we need to get FORWARD focused intensity.
We must let go of yesterday and focus forward on our vision for tomorrow.
Every day at training camp, our vision needs to be before us so we can take ground, stay focused, and overcome opposition.
The Apostle Paul said, "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14).
The Apostle Paul lived with FORWARD focused intensity.
- "Forgetting what lies behind..."
- "Straining forward to what lies ahead..."
- "I press on toward the goal..."
For help setting a vision, consider the questions below.
- What is your destination? Where are you going?
- What has God called you to do?
- What breaks your heart and keeps you up at night?
- What can you be the best in the world at?
- When your career is done, what legacy do you hope would continue on forever?
3. Focus Vertical
Get your eyes off of the horizontal and onto the Lord
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock." Isaiah 26:3-4
Getting fixated on the horizontal can be just as destructive as focusing on the past.
At training camp, it is so easy to get sucked into comparison traps and fear of what others think of us. We can find ourselves analyzing every decision coaches make and trying to control the future.
Horizontal focus will destroy our confidence, create insecurity, increase anxiety.
The Apostle Peter lived this firsthand. Peter, against all rational intellect, with eyes fixed on Jesus, stepped out of the boat onto the water. By the power of God, he walked!
"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me! Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:29-31)
As soon as Peter's eyes shifted from Jesus to the waves, from vertical to horizontal, fear and doubt overcame him and he began to sink.
To excel at training camp, we must get our eyes off of the horizontal and onto the Lord.
We need to get VERTICAL focused intensity.
Every day at training camp, the first non-negotiable of the day is to fix our eyes on Jesus. We need to get immersed in His promises and aligned with Him. How do we do this?
With eyes fixed on Jesus, we must stand firm and trust God's promises. "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:3-4).
Our eyes never leave the vertical. In fact, we go on offense with relentless intensity to keep our eyes on Jesus and hearts trusting in Him no matter what happens in a given practice or game at training camp.
Getting fixated on the horizontal can be just as destructive as focusing on the past.
At training camp, it is so easy to get sucked into comparison traps and fear of what others think of us. We can find ourselves analyzing every decision coaches make and trying to control the future.
Horizontal focus will destroy our confidence, create insecurity, increase anxiety.
The Apostle Peter lived this firsthand. Peter, against all rational intellect, with eyes fixed on Jesus, stepped out of the boat onto the water. By the power of God, he walked!
"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me! Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:29-31)
As soon as Peter's eyes shifted from Jesus to the waves, from vertical to horizontal, fear and doubt overcame him and he began to sink.
To excel at training camp, we must get our eyes off of the horizontal and onto the Lord.
We need to get VERTICAL focused intensity.
Every day at training camp, the first non-negotiable of the day is to fix our eyes on Jesus. We need to get immersed in His promises and aligned with Him. How do we do this?
- Spend TIME with Him in the morning.
- Boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and get real with God at a heart level (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Invite Jesus into every part of our day. He is the Vine; we are branches. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:4-5).
- Take charge of our mindset by verbally declaring our Identity in Christ.
With eyes fixed on Jesus, we must stand firm and trust God's promises. "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:3-4).
Our eyes never leave the vertical. In fact, we go on offense with relentless intensity to keep our eyes on Jesus and hearts trusting in Him no matter what happens in a given practice or game at training camp.
Excelling at Training Camp is Possible!
God has given us everything we need to live a godly life in Christ Jesus. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us as believers. The Word of God abides in us and we are strong! He will strengthen us and help us and uphold us with His righteous right hand (2 Pet. 1:3, Rom. 8:11-13, 1 John 2:14, Isaiah 41:13).
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
- Get Focused Intensity - laser focus plus relentless intensity.
- Focus Outward - Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
- Focus Forward - Forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.
- Focus Vertical - God keeps in perfect peace the one who's eyes remain fixed on Him.
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
What's Next? Join a Soul Care or Confidence Group
New Soul Care Journey groups start this week August 8, 2023.
Join other athletes from around the world training their confidence on our weekly Zoom training groups. We run off-season (May-Aug) and in-season (Oct-Mar) groups. Athletes can join anytime and catch up on past material through video recordings.
Click the link below to join a group for your age and skill level.
Join other athletes from around the world training their confidence on our weekly Zoom training groups. We run off-season (May-Aug) and in-season (Oct-Mar) groups. Athletes can join anytime and catch up on past material through video recordings.
Click the link below to join a group for your age and skill level.
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