It’s been said that the word “remember” just might be the one of the most powerful words in the dictionary. A person’s ability to remember can dramatically enhance motivation, spark confidence, change attitudes, and even improve performance. This happened in the Disney movie, The Lion King. You know the story, Scar viciously murders Simba’s father Mufasa, then makes Simba believe it’s his fault; Simba runs away to live the “hakuna matata” life while Scar rules in tyranny leading the pride to devastation. One night, the wise Rafiki finds Simba and helps him remember his role as Mufasa’s son. That proved to be all the motivation Simba needed do dethrone Scar as leader of the pride.

Understandably, the world of academia probably wouldn’t base their empirically researched concept of motivation or the Approach Avoidance theory on a Disney movie, but you get the point.

For some of you reading this, your ability to remember has sabotaged your performance because you’re using the power of remembering against yourself. You’re remembering the bad shots, the tough losses, and the poor practices. In this article let me give you some things you can remember that will help you stay focused on the task at hand and stay locked in on the things that matter most.

Remember your training

You’ve put a lot of work in to your performance. You’ll want to remember the hours of training you have dedicated yourself to. The better you train, the more confidence you will have during your performance. Keep in mind that all of your hard work has prepared you for the moment of competition.

Remember your motivation

According to the Performance Resonance Model, performance is enhanced when you “revisit your dream (motivation)” after setbacks. When you struggle, direct your mind to your motivation. Why do you do what you do? What is your purpose for playing, dancing, singing, going to work, etc.?

Remember past successes

When you do well, absorb the moment. Take in the sights, sounds, and even smells. Research shows that revisiting past successes is a building block for confidence. When you are struggling, remember those times you performed well, and you’ll be able to exemplify confidence amid adversity.

Remember the big picture

Believe it or not your sport is just a part of who you are, your worth as a person isn’t set on the conditions of how well you perform athletically. It’s a shame to see parents and athletes get so caught up in wins and losses that they act ridiculous at sporting events. Don’t get me wrong, I want to win more than anyone, I can even go as far as saying that I hate to lose, however, elite performers know that there’s more to life than wins and losses. In one of my sessions with my clients we discuss perspective. The people who can remember to keep things in perspective will win with humility and lose with class.

Remember: It just may be the most important word in the dictionary