“Control the controllables.” – Ken Ravizza

This is a very famous saying, or “Ravizzaism”, that was coined by a legend in the field of Sport and Performance Psychology. This saying could not prove to be any truer and includes very pertinent words to live by. Let’s talk about it!

Controlling the “controllables” essentially means to remember to control whatever is in your direct control. There are many factors that affect performance, such as our energy level, the weather, various distractions, the opposing team, our thoughts, the referees, fear, mistakes, and so on. Some of these listed variables are in our direct control and are capable of being changed, while others are completely out of our control and cannot be changed by us. For example, we can change our thoughts, but we cannot change the weather. We can control our responses to adversity, but we cannot change the circumstances. Sometimes, it’s easy to get overtaken by factors that are either in our direct control or completely out of our control. The hot weather outside may result in performing in a slow, delayed manner, or distracting thoughts leave room for multiple errors to occur. The possibilities are endless but focusing on what exactly can be controlled in the moment and letting go of the factors that are outside of direct control allows athletes to level up. These athletes don’t let factors outside of their control dictate their performance or overlook the factors that are in their direct control and can positively influence their performance. They’re able to use all the different types of both controlled and uncontrolled variables in their performance to their direct advantage.

Although there are many different factors that lie in our direct control, we often allow some of those variables to take over aspects of both our mental state and performance outcomes. Instead of challenging or changing negative thoughts that arise, we sometimes accept that negativity and let it guide our performance in an unwanted direction. We have the power to control our thoughts, feelings, reactions, moods, energy, perspectives, etc. and don’t have to feel or act in an undesired manner. Taking control over the factors that are in your direct control and letting go the variables that are out of your control will only benefit your overall performance. In this way, you’re able to bounce back from mistakes immediately and manipulate your thoughts and feelings directly in your favor. Circumstances are not always going to benefit us, but we can take control over the situation and flip it in an optimal direction. During difficult times, it’s important to stay composed and remember what can be controlled in the moment, such as thoughts and opinions surrounding a situation. Once the control is taken over your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, nothing outside of your control can sway you away from achieving a stellar performance.

This is your reminder to identify the factors that are in your direct control and let go of everything else that you cannot control or change. Don’t let things outside of yourself, such as a minor inconvenience, influence your primary thoughts, mood, and overall performance. Make this Ravizzaism, “Control the controllables”, a part of your daily life and gain positive results from putting it into practice. If you would like to further work on this topic, please reach out!