In the Huddle

Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) experts were asked to respond to the following question: “What ‘conventional wisdom’ in sport psychology would you challenge? Why?” Control the controllables is a performance directive routinely used in sport psychology as a way of helping athletes focus on the present moment, direct their effort, and minimize their attention on things beyond their influence. Although a helpful orientation, it can sometimes drive a rigidity around the concept of control that causes performers to focus so much on external circumstances that they miss the opportunity to control the one thing that’s always within their power—themselves. Your perspective, willingness to adjust, and capacity for flexibility are “controllables” that increase your ability to respond in performance situations. So, remember, in performance and life, the most important thing to control is yourself.