Focused Moves

Focused Moves is the fourth of the four core In The Zone Peak Performance Skills. It develops concentration and focus, bringing mind and body together for Focused Action and Peak Performance.

What Are Focused Moves?

Dr. Mulry described being In The Zone as being completely focused on what you are doing. You are concentrating and completely involved in the activity.

This focus involves total mind-body integration. The same principle applies beyond sports. Musicians become one with the music. Actors immerse themselves in their roles. At work, at home, and in personal relationships, effective functioning requires the ability to give your attention to what you are doing.

Focused Moves develop this ability to concentrate and become fully involved in the moment.

Focus And Concentration

Complete focus and concentration are central to being In The Zone.

When you concentrate, distractions recede and your attention becomes directed toward the activity at hand. Dr. Mulry emphasized that this applies to many areas of life, not only physical performance.

A manager needs awareness and concentration to recognize important moments for decisions. A salesperson needs full attention on the customer. A parent needs to be present with a child. Personal relationships also require genuine attention to the other person and the relationship.

Focus means being there for what you are doing.

Being In The Moment

Dr. Mulry emphasized bringing your attention completely into the present situation.

The past is gone and the future has not yet occurred. What you can act upon is what is happening now.

Being in the moment means bringing your attention to the immediate activity, person, or situation rather than allowing your concentration to become divided by distractions.

This is where Focused Action takes place: in the present moment.

Mind-Body Integration

Dr. Mulry described great performances as moments of total mind-body integration. Breathing, balance, movement, timing, and concentration come together as mind and body work toward the same immediate objective.

Focused Moves develop this integration by bringing together the skills learned through Relaxed Moves, Power Moves, and Elastic Moves. Relaxation reduces unnecessary tension. Balance and centeredness provide poised readiness for action. Flexibility allows physical and mental adjustment. Focus brings your attention completely to what you are doing.

These skills come together through coordinated action of mind and body.

Focused Moves And Peak Performance

Focus is one of the four key elements Dr. Mulry identified for being In The Zone: Relaxed, Balanced, Flexible, and Focused.

Dr. Mulry described peak performance as requiring total involvement of mind and body. When Relaxed Moves, Power Moves, Elastic Moves, and Focused Moves work together, your attention and energy are directed toward the task at hand.

The objective is Self-Command, Focused Action, and Peak Performance.

Learning Through Practice

In In The Zone: Making Winning Moments Your Way of Life, Dr. Mulry emphasized learning through physical experience rather than simply reading about the skills.

Practice giving your complete attention to what you are doing. Notice when your attention wanders. Bring yourself back to the activity and the present moment.

Through practice, concentration and being in the moment can become part of how you approach everyday activities and performance.

Continue With In The Zone Skills Training

In The Zone Skills Training is a 40-lesson video series combining Self-Learning, mind-body skills, and psychological principles to develop Self-Command, Focused Action, and Peak Performance.

Go straight to Lesson 31: Focused Moves to further your understanding of Focused Moves.

Or start from the beginning with the In The Zone Skills Training overview and continue through all 40 video lessons in order.