We have all had a mental block at some time in life and it is something quite normal ... What matters is to recognize it in time and above all, know how to overcome it to return to a normal mental state.
If you do not know exactly what a mental block is, then we are going to explain what it is, and what matters most ... to overcome it successfully!
What is a mental block
A mental block can be described as a psychological obstacle that prevents people from performing a particular skill. Mental blocks can easily be confused with performance anxiety, as both consist of a challenging scenario that arises in sport or other realm that forces people to 'fight' cAgainst the perceived problem, or take the 'flight' and avoid the scenario.
Mental blocks occur frequently in sports or other areas, however, many may not recognize that they happen, since they have the right techniques to overcome them quickly. However, for some people, a mental block can be something that prevents them from progressing in their career and / or development, which means that it is important to understand the root of a mental block and how to overcome them.
Why do mental blocks occur
The underlying factors that explain why mental blocks occur largely depend on individual differences, such as styles of approach, perceptions and degree of self-confidence and mental toughness.
Focus styles
People can be internally or externally focused or centered or a combination of both. When a person is internally focused they reach their maximum performance when they are continuously focused and immersed in a training session or work, without distractions, while externally focused people perform better when they only focus on what they are doing when they are on point. starting the training session, exercise or work, to minimize the chances of competitive anxiety arising.
You would think that people who are externally focused may be more prone to mental block occurring. This is because aspects of the game or exercise become critical, and often negatively, over-thought, which consequently causes forced and unnatural performance.
Mental toughness, self-efficacy, and negative perceptions
Jones (2002) defined mental stamina as a psychological advantage, either natural or developed, that enables it to cope with the many demands of sport and constantly be more focused, determined and confident under pressure.
People with a sufficient level of mental toughness are believed to take a behavioral approach towards sport and life's challenges. Therefore, this would minimize the chances of developing a mental block, since everything would be seen as a challenge opposed to a threat that could decrease self-efficacy.
However, people who lack self-efficacy and / or lack of mental toughness would be more likely to develop a mental block. Also, if a mental block forms, there would be a greater chance of avoiding the challenge entirely. This is because self-doubt is correlated with low self-confidence. Therefore, lMental blocks present the same conundrum: an inability to concentrate, think, or reason clearly, resulting in a lack of drive.
How to overcome a mental block
In order to overcome a mental block, we advise you the following:
- Take control of your state. Understand how to overcome it and regain your momentum. Harmonize your mind and body to find balance. Often times, a little activity is all it takes to break a mental block. Ultimately, your state is the framework in which you operate in life, so use it to your advantage to unlock your thinking.
- Focus on the present. If you are experiencing a mental block, there is probably something bothering you in the past. Other times, it may be a worry about the future that causes you to worry and block your thinking. To gain some traction, take a few minutes to sit back and think about the present moment. Focus on your breathing until your mind calms down. From this peaceful state, you can think more clearly and find proactive strategies to solve problems.
- Reprogram your mind. You have to reprogram your mind so you will have the focus you need to develop your sense of mindfulness. Write exactly what you are thinking and feeling. When self-limiting beliefs arise, practice replacing them with empowering beliefs. Visualize where you want to go and surround yourself with people and an environment conducive to clarity ... calm your surroundings and you will find calm within yourself and control of your mind!