What we can learn about focus from a professional cliff diver

What we can learn about focus from a professional cliff diverWhat we can learn about focus from a professional cliff diverThe thought of diving off a27-meter platform eight stories above open water would stress most people out but for David Colturi sitting in a cubicle invokes much more fear.I am scared of the potential consequences of a cliff dive gone wrong, he said. Almost as much as having to hold a 9 to 5 office job.The California-based diver is the former US national 10m champion and was the youngest diver to appear in a full World Series in 2012, the youngest diver to finish on the podium and the youngest diver to win an event. Ladders spoke with Colturi ahead of the first Cliff Diving World Series stop inTexasabout his immense focus when he dives, dealing with nerves and how he approaches his career.On making those 90-foot leapsfruchtwein days its easy because I truly love what I do that feeling of flying, flipping, and twisting through the air, its like nothing else in this world. There are some days where I need a little extra motivation though, or the conditions are harsher and scarier than usual. Those are the days I need to dig deep, stay calm and in the moment, and focus on the task at hand.On dealing with setbacksCompartmentalizing and Self Talk are two cognitive tools I like to use when things get rough. Package that setback or baddiveup and put it at the back of your mind to deal with later. Its easy to go down the analysis road and beat yourself up immediately after a baddive however, if you can put it away for later, and build yourself up for the next immediate task, youll have a better chance at getting back on track and succeeding down the road. Positive Self Talk and just being mindful of your thoughts, in general, will keep you in a better mood and mindset for any situation.On finding the focusOne of my favorite quotes my college coach used to always tell me was, If you focus on the things you cant control, it will adversely affect the th ings you can control. Its easy to get caught up in environmental stimuli, other peoples actions or behavior, but if you stay within yourself and stay in the moment youll have a much better chance at success. To get away from all the outside noise I like to find a quiet place or put my headphones in, and meditate or visualize my next tasks.On dealing with nervesHaving a process and staying in the moment is key to dealing with fear and nerves. So many people get caught up worrying about the past, or focusing on an outcome, that they become overwhelmed with whats going on currently. Plan for a big day ahead of time, trust your process, stay calm and focused, and most of all keep it simple.On skills and mental toolsAll of these skills Ive mentioned above can be used in professional and social settings compartmentalizing, positive self-talk, meditation, visualization, and staying in the moment are all factors of high performance whether in athletics, business, or your personal life, all of these tools can be used to help you be at your best, and enjoy life at its greatest potential.On what he wished someone had told him at the beginning of his careerJust how fast it goes (which of course, Im sure someone did). I cant believe Ill be competing in my 7th season ofCliffDivingthis year. Enjoy the ride, work hard, and ask for help when you need it. Its crazy how fast life goes by, and itll be over before we know it.