The 5 "P" Principles: -
"Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performances."
Your sporting success means prepare NOW.
Your first step is to develop an event or race plan. Talk to your coach or trainer about what your specific goals should be. If you are running a fun run, what is your goal time and your "split times per kilometre? Your training can then mimic the pace and conditions of the actual event.
Another tip is to be familiar with the area you will competing in. Olympic athletes often compete in the host city in the months leading up the Olympics. This helps them become accustomed to the area and practice their race strategy.
Former World 500cc Motorbike Champion Mic Doohan would break the course down into its individual corners. He would practice each individual corner again and again. Once he had practiced the line and intensity he would start to string the corners together till he was at his "hot lap" speed.
For you, this might mean running over part of the course, (i.e. the last 3km) at your goal pace. In doing this you are not only getting used to your goal speed, but becoming familiar with the course as well.
Writing down this race plan can be useful. Olympic marathoners often write out race notes on a course map. They mark out the aid stations where they will get their drinks. They highlight the hills on the course and write positive affirmations on the map to remind them to stay relaxed.
For you, this might mean writing down your goals for the first five overs of bowling in Cricket or notes on the each hole of the golf course you are going to play.
What does this type of planning achieve? It means nothing is left to chance. Part of this planning involves all those logistical tasks. These might include developing an equipment check list, what you are going to have for breakfast, preparing your sports drinks, planning your route to the event and where to park at the race.
By planning out all these steps you are not only building confidence but also reducing your need for anxiety or worry.
Isn't this the very thing that the Scripture Union's Daily Devotions and UCB's The Word for Today, and a host of other daily Bible Readings and Devotional plans are about. Every Christian should have a plan to enjoy God's Word (reading our Bible) and speaking with the Lord (our prayer).