You might believe that your mental equipment toolbox is full. What more can you possibly do to develop a stronger mental game? Even if you've been exposed to massive amounts of information, all this advice and encouragement is no good unless real learning takes place. Genuine learning only occurs when information is accurately transmitted and received, and then converted into a meaningful experience that enables you to improve your performance. This month, let's examine a few attitudes that will definitely enhance your learning.

Endless Curiosity

My graduate school training director once told our class that real learning begins only after the Ph.D. Although this was surely an exaggeration, it highlighted the truth that there is no magical endpoint of knowledge, especially an advanced degree. We must continue striving to learn all our lives, and curiosity is the foundation for much of this quest.

Healthy Modesty

Openness to Change

We are constantly learning new and better physical as well as mental techniques. Fast forward to the year 2040 and the tennis of today will most certainly cause chuckles. You wouldn't want to retain a "thumber backhand" any more than you'd want to maintain poor concentration (See my November, 1995 Article Attentional Control In Tennis). What's amazing is that players at all levels are only now beginning to take mental skills seriously! As new proven mental techniques are developed, be open enough to make them a real part of your game, or you may look even funnier in that 2040 video.

Whether you're a player, coach, or athlete's parent, work hard in developing those attitudes that enhance learning. By encouraging curiosity, modesty and an openness to change you'll be on your way toward converting raw information into meaningful change. See you next month...