Some ideas from my experience:
- I do like to watch how my effort is doing compared to either a previous
effort or a newly created goal. It is important that the comparison be
something that can be in reach, and not too low. If you are way off - high or
low - then it will no longer be helpful. The goal also has to be something you
can think about at any point in the contest - like a rate sheet with cumulative
totals.
- When in a competitive effort, I will sometimes focus on the fact that
there's got to be somebody out there doing it all better than me (us) at that
very moment - S&P'ing faster, breaking pileups quicker, copying calls with less
fills, choosing bands better - and I say to myself, "Can't get too far behind;
don't want to be embarrassed!"
- Thinking about getting to the end of the contest isn't very helpful in
the wee hours of the first night. The goal is just too far away. So, it's best
to think in terms of smaller chunks of time. Set a goal for the next hour or
even just 30 minutes, and work towards that goal. Try a new goal in the next
period.
- Stay busy. Keep the brain moving from one thought or idea to the next.
There's nothing like getting stuck in a 'thinking rut' to bring on a desire to
sleep!
- Hold yourself to your commitments. Think about how you will feel when
the event is over. Will you be upset with yourself if you look back and realize
you didn't gve it your full effort?
- Mental and physical conditioning is helpful, too. Mentally, you want to
clear the decks before the contest. Reduce and eliminate distrations that could
draw your focus away - work and family are the big ones. Physically, being in
decent shape gives you the ability to use energy more efficiently. If not
overweight, you will generally feel more comfortable in the chair. Doing your
short-term sleep and eating strategies correctly can also help a lot with
fatigue avoidance and improved concentration.
73,
Jim Idelson K1IR
email k1ir at designet.com
web http://www.k1ir.com
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