Getting the most out of high-performing kids | ACERinteractive

While Australia?s elite sportsmen are aiming for top form in the footy finals, young Australians are also striving to achieve their best: It?s now the ?business end? of the year, when kids take to the field in sports finals, school students knuckle down to study for final exams, and young performers prepare for end-of-year eisteddfods.

But how to get the most out of high achievers without overdoing it? A new resource from one of Australia?s leading child psychology practices, The Quirky Kid Clinic helps young people perform at their best, while maintaining balance and perspective, and not getting burnt out.

Power Up! is a step-by-step program that enables schools and clubs to adopt the type of performance psychology used by elite athletes, performers and musicians. Young people striving to perform at high levels in sports, performance, music or academia (including end of year exams) can benefit from these techniques. They include goal setting, self-talk, imagery, arousal regulation, focus and competition planning.

Quirky Kid Clinic?s principal child Psychologist, Kimberly O?Brien says: ?Knowing how to reach your performance peak is more effective than endless hours of coaching. Power Up! is about avoiding burn out and enjoying what you do best?.

Power Up! will be distributed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). ACER?s National Sales Manager Eirini Lamni says the program is an ?innovation in the way we approach high performing kids. By focusing on the path towards goals rather than just the end-point, young people are armed with useful, healthy strategies to perform at their best. It?s a great resource.?

Power Up! will be launched on the 26th of September at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, in partnership with Football United. Football United organises soccer matches, tournaments and camps, providing opportunities for young refugees, or kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to socialise, form networks, and to excel on the sports field.

More information about Power Up! is available at http://quirkykid.com.au

Top 4 Tips for young performers:

1. Don?t put all your eggs in one basket

Although you might feel like you should do nothing but train or practice it actually won?t do you any favours in terms of your performance. You are much more than just your athletic talent or creative ability. Remember to develop yourself as a whole person and keep your studies, job, social life and family relationships as normal as possible.

2. Use setbacks as opportunities for learning

There is no doubt that reaching the elite or professional level as a teenager means that you have a lot of talent! You can make every experience count, even if your performance was dismal! Take note of your strengths and identify your weaknesses,
then set about learning from your mistakes.

3. Don?t buy into the hype!

Athletes and performers who achieve long-term success usually stay well grounded, keeping everything in perspective. Work with your coaches, teachers, agents, psychologist or media trainer to feel confident and in control in the public arena.

4. Look after yourself

You dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to train and practice to achieve success and reach your potential, however like everyone else, you can become ill or injured. Make sure your decisions are keeping your long-term future
in mind as well as your present needs. Always consult with medical professionals when making decisions about coming back from illness or injury.

For more tips visit: http://childpsychologist.com.au/resources/young-athletesand-performers

Source: http://interactive.acer.edu.au/index.php/2012/09/getting-the-most-out-of-high-performing-kids/

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