Default Mode Network and Sports
Why are some athletes clutch? While others s*** the bed…
Have you ever laid in bed and your mind is racing? As you try to shut that voice off it gets even louder and louder. All of a sudden it is 2am and you haven’t slept a wink.
This is our Default Mode Network. DMN causes that little voice in your head. It is our mind working when we aren’t working on something else.
There are a few ways to turn off your DMN: Meditation, psychedelics, and entering flow state. While I am not openly suggesting you take some psilocybin mushrooms…
Flow state occurs whenever we refer to someone as in the “zone.” Being in a flow state means that you are completely caught up in the moment. Dialed in. Think about a time when you are/where in this state of mind. Did your little voice wonder?
The answer is probably no. While there are a thousand articles and books about how to enter your own flow state, the key is a mix of skill and challenge. It is much easier to enter flow when you are skilled in your craft, yet the action still requires a 100% focus.
Think about a QB leading a game winning drive. Tom Brady comes to mind. When he is dialed in on a 4th quarter drive, the hours of preparation allows Brady to not have to think. The challenge presented by situation allows for him to fully lock in.
In these situations Tom Brady’s Default Mode Network is shut off. There is no voice in his head wondering about bills, his marriage, kids etc. There is no voice at all.
Why is golf such a challenging sport for both amateurs and pros? It is much harder to enter a flow state in the sport of golf. The constant breaks. The approach to the ball, gives our DMN enough time to get back into focus. When we swing we have our minds to battle as well. This makes it a much trickier sport.
Next time you see a kicker miss, or a basketball player miss a critical free throw, you will now know that it was their DMN taking over. That little voice is running through all the scenarios and consequences of failing.
The best shut off their DMN. Those that s*** the bed listen to theirs.
