[CQ-Contest] Improving Concentration

[Jim Idelson]

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