How often do you find yourself in the midst of an activity, no matter what it is, only to find your mind wandering away from the present moment? Perhaps you’re on the mound pitching, but your mind is thinking about something else. Maybe you are with your wife, or girlfriend, watching a movie, but you are thinking about your next start. Our minds do wander from time to time, it happens to us all.

Although normal, wandering can prohibit you from fully enjoying the moment you’re in. More so, it robs you of the focus and concentration needed to perform at your highest level.

Here are three steps to help control your mind when it starts to wander:

1. Coach yourself back to present moment focus by asking yourself, “Where am I?” Answer the question. “What am I doing”? Then answer the question.For example, where am I? On the mound. What am I doing? Pitching. Then be there. Where am I? I am with my girlfriend or wife. What am I doing? Watching a movie. Then be there.
2. Take a deep breath. There’s nothing better to help get you back in the moment. A long slow deep breath in and a long slow exhale.
3. Practice. Be mindful and pay more attention to what you are doing. For example:When you walk up the stairs, try to feel your foot as it lands on the step and then how your foot supports your body as it continues to move.

   When you are eating your food, slow down and try to really enjoy it.

   When you wash your hands, take a moment to savor the feel the water and soap rinse over your hands.

You will likely find other tactics that help you, but using these three as a start can help you return to the present moment and regain the focus you need to optimize performance.