ABSTRACT
Goal-setting is perceived to be an essential performance enhancement skill by many researchers. Most mental skills and techniques, including goal-setting, relaxation, activation, imagery and mental practice, require excellent attentional control or focusing abilities. However, it was found with the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool (OMSAT-3) assessments that most athletes had no problems activating in competitive situations, but needed to learn to relax, both physically and mentally. In the research and interventions using the OMSAT-3, the several variables were separated, since it was believed that the generation of images was different than their integration into practice. Other mental skills inherent to achieving success have also been identified in the literature, such as developing the flow state. The good news is that both skill levels and challenges are teachable and learnable mental skills, which can change with practice. A fundamental element in the mental skills foundation triangle is self-confidence, or belief.
