Social Stress, the Influence and its Impact Last month we discussed the mental influence that effects performance. This month, lets review the social element. This influence comes upon us in many ways and affects all level of riders. In fact, many discussions are centered around this topic. Whether you ride or are a part of the support network, the influence is strong and awareness of the impact for both is key. Social factors involve having the right amount and type of interaction with others when we ride or compete with, and if we feel supported before, during, and after our ride. This may involve being surrounded by like-minded people who are excited about the same things we are. Social factors detract from energy when social conditions arent optimal for us or when other peoples negative energy affects our own. For instance, when a trainer, parent or spouse negatively comments about the last ride performed, the dialogue can be adversely interpreted and an assumption made with a feeling left of disappointment. Or, we are so concerned about disappointing our trainer, spouse and parent, as every bobble, wrong lead or movement, missed fence, money spent with no ribbon means, “ I have upset those who support me the most”. Our support network may not realize the affect their conversations have on us as they are just trying to “help” and be “supportive”; but knowing they are watching at ring side can influence our reaction and enthusiasm of our rides and impact the remainder of our weekend. Social factors are those related to society and the people who are around us. While the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical influences are internally focused, the social area is more external. We dont exist in a vacuum, and how we react to and interact with others can have a strong influence on our energy in our sport, our overall life, and in any particular situation. In his book Mastery, Robert Greene said: Often the greatest obstacle to our pursuit of mastery comes from the emotional drain we experience in dealing with the resistance and manipulations of the people around us. We misread their intentions and react in ways that cause confusion or conflict...Navigating smoothly through the social environment, we have more time and energy to focus on learning and acquiring skills. Success attained without this intelligence is not true mastery, and will not last. Peoples social needs and desires vary greatly. From a social perspective, our engagement is enhanced when we have the amount and type of interaction that is right for us. Someone who is more introverted, for example, would likely be more comfortable practicing or riding alone or with one or two other people, while someone with extrovert tendencies may prefer being part of a large group or team. Introverts may need alone time in the form of frequent breaks to recharge, as constantly being with other people (even though they may enjoy them) can drain their energy. Extroverts, on the other hand, recharge by being with people. Whats important is to discover what best suits us, the one we support and the one we train,and then create those social conditions that work. Social factors coupled with stress reaction and internal obstacles; assumptions, and interpretations affect us in many ways. Remember, stress itself is not the enemy; its our reaction to it. What one person perceives as being stressful, another barely notices, and yet another is excited by. As you strategize for your next ride and show;How and what can you do to make your social factor work for you? How can you share with your social factor what support you need? How comfortable are you sharing how their current support affects your performance? Happy riding, Cathy
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 16:15:37 +0000
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