In the chapter titled Self-Examination, the author discusses how to assess one’s strengths to facilitate self-improvement. According to Orlick (2016), it is essential to stay committed to one’s goals. Without a high level of commitment, achieving the set goals is difficult. In the chapter, Orlick (2016) proposes a six-step plan to help individuals accomplish their objectives by improving their mental focus. The method also includes experimenting with various strategies that can help improve in the desired areas of life. Furthermore, the author recommends careful self-assessment to establish the exact areas that need improvement. Only by knowing their strengths, knowing their weaknesses can a person develop an efficient improvement plan.
I believe the chapter proposes a thoroughly thought-through argument. It is impossible to improve at an activity without knowing one’s weaknesses. The author provides very structured reasoning, stating the need to assess various aspects, including commitment. In addition, the questions the author affords for self-assessment are highly effective. Answering them can give a person an understanding of what they need to improve to achieve their goals. Overall, the chapter is efficient in showing the importance of self-assessment, including evaluating one’s mental focus.
I have experience in assessing my weaknesses to try to improve my performance. Despite always studying thoroughly for various tests, I tend to find academic assessments stressful. I believe that the anxiety I experience during them influences my scores. In high school, I tried to establish the precise circumstances that add to this nervousness. The questions I asked myself during that assessment overlap with those offered by Orlick in the chapter. Specifically, I attempted to determine when my focus during tests was at its lowest. I found that I tend to lose focus at the end of the allotted time due to poor time management. Thus, the self-assessment showed the area I should improve to perform better in exams.
Reference
Orlick, T. (2016). In pursuit of excellence: How to win in sport and in life through mental training (5th ed.). Human Kinetics.