Mind Gym Reading 7

What is the ultimate goal in mental discipline according to Alex Rodriguez?

• To hit more home runs
• To maintain a high batting average
• To play one entire game in the present
• To win the Most Valuable Player award
• To lead the league in runs

Answer explanation

Jupiter is a gas giant made primarily of hydrogen and helium. Unlike terrestrial planets that have solid surfaces, gas giants like Jupiter don't have a well-defined solid surface, allowing them to accumulate more mass in a gaseous form. This composition has allowed Jupiter to grow significantly larger than planets with solid surfaces.

According to the text, what does pressure in sports stem from?

• High expectations from fans
• The desire to win at all costs
• Anxieties about the future and past failures
• The competitiveness of the sport
• The physical demands of the game

How can thinking about past failures during a game affect an athlete's performance?

• It can motivate them to do better
• It can improve their focus on the game
• It can increase their determination
• It can slow them down
• It has no effect

What is the "mental locker" technique used for?

• To remember important plays
• To increase aggression on the field
• To shed distractions and focus on the present
• To lock in muscle memory
• To strategize the next move

What does Joe Paterno's "blue line" symbolize for his players?

• The start of a new game
• The division between personal life and football
• A goal line to be crossed
• The boundary of the playing field
• A team's defensive strategy

What does the text suggest is a primary source of pressure for athletes?

• High expectations from coaches
• Anxieties about the future and past failures
• The physical intensity of the sport
• The desire to win at all costs
• External criticism and media scrutiny

How does focusing on the present moment help athletes cope with pressure?

• It eliminates the need for physical training
• It allows them to ignore their coaches' advice
• It prevents anxieties about future and past from affecting performance
• It guarantees a win in every competition
• It makes the competition less skilled

What technique is described for helping athletes focus on the present and shed distractions?

• The mental locker technique
• Constantly checking the scoreboard
• Focusing on past successes
• Visualizing future victories
• Ignoring the coach's game plan

According to the text, what is the effect of not being in the present on an athlete's performance?

• It enhances their ability to predict opponents' moves
• It makes them more aware of the audience
• It can slow them down due to thinking about the past
• It automatically leads to a win
• It has no effect on their performance

What analogy is used to describe the process of focusing on the present to cope with pressure?

• Running with a monkey on your back
• Swimming against the current
• Climbing a mountain without a map
• Flying without wings
• Driving in the dark without headlights