Greetings from St Bede’s College.

The first week back at school featured the Winter Sports' Pockets Assembly and I have shared my reflection below:

"Welcome to our Winter Sports Assembly, and it’s great and appropriate we acknowledge not only our top sportsmen, but also its an opportunity to thank those people who create the opportunity for those sportsmen to excel and perform not only in our colours, but also on the regional and national forums.

Many of those who receive awards this morning were members of teams that performed very well in their respective competitions.

Many of those athletes know and understand how to train physically – and have a knowledge of how to improve their fitness, strength and physical skills, and the awards this morning are as much about that hard work and preparation as they are on how they performed either individually or in the teams they were part of.

However, what many at school and adult levels don’t know is how to train and improve mental toughness, and this morning I want to talk for a few minutes on this.

There is a particular aspect I want to deal in that can also be applied not only to talented sportsmen, but to every student in many activities in life, so this message is not just for a talented sportsman.

The concept I want to share with you is the contest with yourself and some call this the “ultimate battle”.

Until you conquer yourself, very little is possible against an opponent. The greatest obstacle between you and your goal, whatever that is, is YOU!

Once you have learned to control YOU, the contest with the outside world or your opponent becomes easy.

Experience has shown that to perform at your best, you should have one focus – doing the best that you can. Sounds simple!

But too often, your best efforts are diminished by what’s happening inside your mind.

Focusing on winning and losing the external contest (like the team you are playing against), too frequently leads to performance paralysis.

Fears of winning and losing quickly lead to muscle tightness, excessive anxiety and poor concentration.

Here’s a suggestion on how to win the match with yourself:

If you can answer “YES” to each of the following statements at the end of a game or practice, you have won the most important contest.

1. I gave my best effort every moment. I gave 100 percent.

2. I maintained a predominantly positive, healthy, and optimistic attitude with myself.

3. I accepted full responsibility for me today, for what I did and didn’t do (didn’t blame parents, weather, bad equipment, cheating opponent, or anything else).

A positive response to those three statements is easy to say, but I’m sure you will agree, is not easy to actually do every time. How do I measure my best effort honestly is a question that only you can answer.

How you measure a predominantly positive, healthy and optimistic opinion about yourself is easy to say but difficult to do if things are not going right! However, if your effort is your honest best, could I suggest that helps a positive attitude about yourself.

I like the last one – I accept full responsibility for me today. And it’s a really important part of you maturing from a child to an adult.

If I didn’t give 100%, then the only person to blame is me!! The temptation to blame those other elements is an easy out, and one we hear often. I have been guilty of slipping into that mind-set myself on many occasions when things don’t go right – it’s a natural human reaction, but one that can be overcome by positive willpower.

Could I suggest that this is not only a maxim for sport but other aspects of your life, and could I suggest strongly, is something you, as a learner, can ask the same three questions about, and it is particularly apt for Seniors as you approach your NCEA exams.

Could I once again acknowledge those who are recognised today. I would also like to acknowledge all those who give you the opportunity to play sport for the College, and lastly congratulate and thank sincerely the Coordinator of Sport, Mrs Kissick."

We also have a very busy term coming up with various end-of-the year events – some which I have highlighted below for you to mark in your calendars:

Leavers’ Ball

• Friday 25 October

Senior Prize-giving

• Thursday 31 October (Aurora Centre – 6.30pm)

Leavers’ Breakfast 
Leavers’ Mass & Tie Ceremony

• Friday 1 November

Junior School Retreats Monday 4 –

• Tuesday 5 November

NCEA Exams begin

• Thursday 7 November

Until next week,

J.G. Boyle