.png)
In the world of sports, physical training is the foundation. But for those seeking development, more enjoyment or peak performance, refining the mental game is equally essential. The Athlete's Ascent by Jayne Storey offers a wonderful approach to reaching this “next level” by teaching athletes how to strengthen their mental and emotional skills through principles from Zen and Taoism.
Here’s a glimpse of what Storey’s philosophy can offer, with practical techniques you can start applying today. If these insights resonate with you, this book could become your guide to unlocking a more relaxed, powerful, and purposeful approach to your development and performance.
1. Find Your Flow by Integrating Mind and Body
Storey begins with the idea that our best athletic performances emerge from harmony between mind and body—a concept deeply rooted in Eastern philosophies. Rather than being driven by willpower alone, peak performance is about a state of “flow,” where movement happens almost effortlessly.
This flow state isn’t something you achieve by pushing harder. Instead, it’s about quieting the mind, letting go of unnecessary tension, and connecting deeply to the body. Storey emphasizes that when athletes learn to unite mind and body, they’re able to respond with instinct and presence, rather than trying to “force” things to happen.
Try This: Before practice or competition, try a simple centering exercise. Take a few moments to focus on your breath, and allow any mental distractions to drift away. Feel your body as it is in this moment—notice any areas of tension or relaxation. This practice helps you begin from a place of calm, ready to connect with each movement.
2. Embrace Stillness and Quiet the Mind
Many golfer are stuck in a cycle of overthinking— analyzing techniques, fixating on potential mistakes, or obsessing over outcomes. In The Athlete’s Ascent, Storey teaches the power of stillness, a way to break free from mental clutter. By quieting the mind, we can be fully present, trust our preparation, and allow intuition to take over.
This state of “non-doing” is about learning to trust in your training and letting go of the need for control. In other words, we can shift from trying to “make things happen” to letting things happen.
Try This: Experiment with simple breath control exercises. Take deep breaths into your belly, focusing only on the rhythm of the inhale and exhale. Imagine each exhale releasing any unneeded thoughts or emotions. This breathing practice brings you into the moment, creating the space for stillness.
3. Shift Your Focus from Outcomes to Process
Performance anxiety often stems from being too fixated on outcomes—worrying about the score, the competition, or what others think. Storey challenges athletes to embrace a process-driven approach instead. By focusing on each movement, each moment, athletes can minimize distractions and connect more deeply to the joy of their sport.
When athletes shift their attention away from outcomes, they open themselves to learn from each experience, approach challenges with curiosity, and bring more of themselves into every practice.
Try This: Choose one small focus point for your next practice. For example, notice the sensation of your feet connecting with the ground or the rhythm of your swing. Let that focus anchor you, helping you return to the process instead of drifting to worries about results.
4. Mental Conditioning as Core Training
Storey redefines mental conditioning as an essential component of athletic training, not an afterthought. In her view, meditation and mindfulness are just as important as physical conditioning, helping athletes sharpen their focus, increase emotional resilience, and cultivate a steady presence under pressure.
The practice of Zen meditation—a cornerstone of her approach—teaches athletes how to sit with their thoughts without judgment, allowing them to observe rather than react. This builds mental clarity and stability, both crucial for handling the pressures of competition.
Try This: Start a short meditation practice each day, even just 5 minutes. Sit comfortably, focus on your breath, and let thoughts come and go. Over time, this practice can help you manage stress, improve concentration, and create a foundation for calm, focused performance.
5. Visualize with Awareness, Not Just Outcomes
Storey’s visualization approach differs from the traditional, outcome-oriented approach. Rather than only imagining “winning” moments, she encourages athletes to visualize the experience of flow—the sensations, rhythm, and feel of performing without tension. This way, visualization becomes a rehearsal of the present-moment awareness that enables peak performance.
Try This: Before practice, close your eyes and visualize yourself in the flow state. Imagine the rhythm, the sensations, and the ease of each movement. This shifts the focus from an external outcome to an internal state of calm and confidence.
Why Read The Athlete’s Ascent?
Storey’s book is full of these kinds of insights, offering a furthering perspective on the mental side of performance that’s grounded in ancient practices and updated for the modern athlete. Reading The Athlete’s Ascent can deepen your understanding of these practices, give you more tools to manage stress, and reveal a path to better performance that feels more intuitive, more joyful, and more sustainable.
If these themes resonate with you, the book can serve as a valuable guide. It’s a journey into the art of “letting go,” an exploration of how to quiet the mind, embrace stillness, and experience your sport at a deeper level. Storey’s work can be transformative—not just for your athletic career but for your relationship with yourself, your goals, and the process of growth.
In Summary
These core themes and practices only scratch the surface of Storey’s teachings. If you’re serious about taking your mental game to the next level, consider diving into The Athlete’s Ascent. It could be the key to unlocking a new way of approaching your sport—one that balances focus with freedom, drive with presence, and competition with self-discovery.
Comments