They call it performance psychology for a reason...

When we talk about Performance Psychology, your first thought is sport. Next thought is often business, or dance or even military. Well this week, I was fortunate enough to delve into the psychology of a more complex performance domain... Dating.

Through Grey Matters, I am responsible for managing the CPD for all Regional and National level England Golf coaches. Currently, we're going through the process of introducing the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs), which are ten key skills identified by research. Possessing these characteristics, which include skills such as Goal Setting and Imagery, has been highlighted as a hugely influential factor in achieving eventual success.

It's often easy when working in high performance sport, to get bogged down in technical language, and practical scenarios. As a result of this, when discussing the merit of developing PCDEs, coaches, sports science support and psychologists alike, we are unable to look through the wood to see the trees. As such, my colleague Dave, suggested I go down the root of explaining the PCDEs in relation to dating.

So picture this... I've introduced the concept, explained the science, and then my next slide pops up covered in pictures of what dating looked like 'now versus then'. We've got some lovely black and white stills of chaperones, juxtaposed with the logos of the more common 'Tinder' and 'Bumble'. Now I stand on stage in front of 80 very confused faces, trying to explain what on earth this has to do with golf. Fortunately for me, the penny quickly drops.

Take, for example, realistic performance evaluations. This refers to the ability to identify the positives and negatives components of a performance regardless of a win or loss and be able to understand what aspects of that performance needs further development and which parts were the strengths. Imagine possessing such a skill after that all crucial first impression! Consider further the ability to self-regulate through the ever rocky landscape of internet dating. Or even better, the ability to control your attention through those pesky distractions! Now I'm going off topic...

The lesson for us all... PCDEs can help us in all performance domains, especially dating!

Want to know more?
MacNamara, Á., Button, A. & Collins, D. (2010). “The Role of Psychological Characteristics in Facilitating the Pathway to Elite Performance. Part 1: Identifying mental skills and behaviours". The Sport Psychologist. 24, 52-73. MacNamara, Á., Button, A. & Collins, D. (2010). “The Role of Psychological Characteristics in Facilitating the Pathway to Elite Performance. Part 2: Examining environmental and stage related differences in skills and behaviours". The Sport Psychologist. 24, 74-96.

Author: Dave Collins