Habits were repeated actions that are so ingrained to us that we usually don't think about them, nor do we really want to. But many actions we do consciously decide to do them, and hopefully they have the effect we want. Here we are going to examine Routines, Traditions and Rituals.

Routines: Not much different from habits, routines are patterned actions that are designed to get our bodies, sometimes our minds, into our normal or expected state of performance. These are usually more complex than a habit such that it has several components to them. We usually consciously decide to do them, or at least start them, rather than reacting to a situation, more like a habit. There is such a thing as "muscle memory." Once you start your routine, hopefully the memory of it propels the rest of your body into its proper actions from there on out. Last year, we talked about how the body's posture affects the mind; well, that is also one of the desired results, at least to put the mind onto its "normal track" of success. Routines are developed to produce consistent results, by getting your body "into the groove" and neutralize emotional distractions. On the less physical side of things, our bus music routine is there to put the mind in gear, and heading in the right direction.

Traditions: These are thing do over and over again, like before/after each race or once a year. Many times we continue the tradition just because the people before you did it. Someone decided to do something one time, and then figured it was probably a good thing so they kept doing it again. Many times we "inherit" traditions from family members from generation to generation, or from teammates every 4 years, or from a coach "just because it happened that way" for them long ago. So schools will have some sort of Freshman Initiation. Usually it is cruel, harmful and damaging. We have Champion Mt., a great positive replacement! The location we usually stake our tent at GFU XC needed to be adjusted based on the potential wind issues. We need to frequently evaluate traditions for their effectiveness or their truth, always looking for something better.

Rituals: These are almost like traditions, but the way I am choosing to classify them as temporary traditions based on unique situations, to provoke an emotional response to achieve exceptional performance. Frequently, these can be created from some of those tragic circumstances. Remember Felix and his photo of Grandma? Last year, a form Trail Blazer died. The team dedicated a game/the season to Jerome Kersey? Rituals can have an amazing positive effect, at first. Be careful because they can fizzle or backfire if done too long. When having a memorial of sorts, make sure it has meaning and not just a name behind it. 40 plus years later, everyone in the world wants to compete in the Prefontaine Classic - because it has so much meaning.