Playing and living in the moment

In football and in life, it is easy to get stuck in the future. Think about it. In a game, how many times have you said:

If I make this play, then …

When we score, next we will …

When we win this game, then we will …

After this team, next we play …

While it is important to plan for the future, an athlete’s success is tied to playing in the moment. Too often players lose sight of the moment, because they look past the present. No matter what your ultimate goal is, you have to execute in the present to succeed in the future.

We have all heard people say they live in the moment, but for some reason few people explain why or how. By living in the moment, you need to play in the moment. Your mind only holds one thought at a time. If you are thinking about what happens after you make this play, you are not thinking about what you need to do to be successful on this play. Focus on the play at hand.

Success comes one play at a time, one game at a time and one season at a time. As a player, your job is to execute each play as if it was the only play. Trust me, if you are worried about the last play or the next play, you will miss the current play. Leave the contingency plans to your coach. Your coach is the one who has to adjust the game plan according to what is or is not working. If you are executing your play, you will get another. If you are not executing, you will not have to worry about the next play because your coach will have to put someone else in.

It is really easy to get wrapped up in future planning and long term goals. Of course, your long term health and success are the most important factors. However, long term decisions and long term planning are not meant to be decided in the midst of a play. During each play, focus on where you are. In a game, play in the game you are in. In the season, play in the season you are in. Success requires progress, and progress is made in the moment. Use each play and practice to execute the tasks necessary for your long term success.

Play big.

Dr. Jen Welter earned a master’s degree in sports psychology and a doctorate in psychology from Capella University. A women’s professional football for 13 seasons, she currently is a member of the Texas Revolution, a male professional indoor football league. A four-time league champion with the Women’s Football Alliance’s Dallas Diamonds, Welter played for the 2010 and 2013 U.S. Women’s National Team at the IFAF Women’s World Championship, helping the Unites States earn a pair of gold medals. You can follow her on Twitter @jwelter47.