Tip 7, for 6/16/08

Develop routines.

You'll see serious tennis players, baseball players, etc. do some sort of ritual before they serve, bat, etc. For example, Rafael Nadal bounces the ball like 24 times every time before he serves. This helps to focus his mind and it tells his body to prepare for what he is about to do.

The brain is very trainable. If you get yourself into the habit of running every day, and running each day will get easier. Get yourself into the habit of checking your pockets for your wallet, phone, etc., and you are far less likely to forget those things. Warm up and stretch the same way before each game and your mind and body should know what to do. Some might think of this as superstition, as if one believes doing something brings them luck. But I was told a few months ago, by someone I have a lot of respect for, that you make your own luck. Preparing and developing good habits is an easy way to make your own luck (this avoids rabbit's foot and horseshoe expenses as well).

Also, be aware that the brain can be easily trained in bad habits as well as good ones. If you make a habit of drinking a Starbucks Coffee every morning, you're bound to end up with a less healthy body, stained teeth and a thinner wallet. If you make a habit of driving too fast, it might afford you the opportunity to meet some nice people, but you might not be able to afford it.

Finally, remember that you want to fall somewhere between these extremes:
constant experimenter--------------------you-----------------------OCD