Knowledge Is Power

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, BUT ONLY IF YOU USE IT

The Sports Doc - Dr. CHRISTOPHER STANKOVICH www.drstankovich.com

You have probably heard the famous saying “Knowledge is power,” but is simply learning about something really a “powerful” life experience? Specifically, my question pertains to learning something, but not applying what you learned – is that “power?”

At my office I have had countless clients over the years say to me “Wow, that advice really makes sense.” Then, the next time I see the client he tells me that while he thought the advice was good, he never actually applied the advice to his problem! So I ask again: How is knowledge power in the instances where the knowledge is never actually used??

Pool players learn things all the time, including (hopefully) a few things from my columns on mental toughness. Here is an example of what I am talking about where important information is overlooked – but can be the difference in becoming a really good player. All athletes, including pool players, experience nerves. We also know that taking a few really deep breaths is the fastest, surest way to reduce anxiety and allow athletes to regain focus and composure. Breathing is incredibly effective, but it is also so remarkably simple to do that many athletes dismiss its value, forget about it, or remain skeptical because it is so simple. Regardless, if you don’t apply knowledge, you won’t likely be any better tomorrow than you were yesterday.

Keep in mind the difference between good and great has far more to do with focus, work ethic, and the ability to bounce back from adversity than it does natural human talent. Great athletes are often great because they not only put in the work, but they constantly look to learn new things – and then put those learning experiences toward good use. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I regularly learn new things, but not always put that knowledge into action? • How much better of a pool player could I become if I regularly sought new information, including mental toughness training that would allow me to play with confidence? • If I want to be the best, am I willing to do everything I can to accomplish this goal?

You might be surprised how much better you can become by simply using – not just thinking about – good information when you come into it. Similarly, how can you expect to reach your full potential when you don’t use the knowledge you acquire? Pool is tough enough, don’t make things harder on yourself!

Dr. Christopher Stankovich is a nationally acclaimed expert in Sport & Performance Psychology and the Founder of Advanced Human Performance Systems. For more information on performance-enhancement products, including the popular “Mind of Steel for Pool Success” DVD please visit www.drstankovich.com