The Power of the Mind

THE POWER OF THE MIND The Mental Performance Programme at Rangi Ruru has been running for four years and continues to go from strength to strength.

Run by Paula Rule, sessions have a holistic approach and aim to create a foundation for girls to build self-awareness, self-belief and mindsets that positively contribute to the school and wider community. The addition of the Mental Performance Programme has helped students at Rangi Ruru achieve local, regional, national and international success. While predominately sport focused, the Programme is also offered to students involved in the Stellar Music Programme.

At the heart of the Mental Performance Programme are four key objectives:

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To empower Rangi girls to be the best versions of themselves

To provide an environment where students can openly discuss barriers to performance without fear of judgement, whilst being challenged to understand their specific behaviours and make adaptations to these behaviours where necessary

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To help understand that students identity as an athlete or musician is not directly linked to their identity as a person

To provide the girls with skills and strategies to become mentally tough and resilient in both life and their chosen field

Common behavioural themes in these sessions include:

• Improving self-awareness by recognising and understanding emotions • Increasing situational awareness to be able to respond in an effective way • Understanding that the greatest test of mental toughness is the choices that are made, when how we feel doesn’t always align with what we need to do • Creating the mindset required, for the action needed • Effectively managing focus

With my competitive nature, Paula has taught me to control only what I can control to ensure I am in ‘race zone’. Previous to these mental performance sessions with Paula, I wasn’t aware of the importance that the head played such a vital role in getting the most out of my sport and keeping a great balance in my life. Since my sessions, I have seen results in my chosen sport that I can thank Paula for.

Charlotte Spurway Y13, CYCLING

Over the past year, not only has working with Paula boosted my confidence as a person, my main takeaway from my sessions has been realising that talking about yourself is such a beneficial thing to do. Taking time out of your busy schedule to be aware of how you are feeling is imperative for your wellbeing. If it wasn’t for Paula I wouldn’t understand the extent of this. She has been an incredible mental skills coach, teaching me life skills and how to deal with performance anxiety along with so many other things. On top of everything she has become a person I trust. I can’t speak highly enough about the work Paula has done with me; she is insightful, smart, kind and so good at what she does.

Holly O’Loughlin Y13, STELLAR MUSIC PROGRAMME