Many people call it being "in the zone." When you are performing "in the zone" you have switched from training mode to trusting mode. You are not fighting yourself. You are not afraid of anything. You are living in the moment at a special place and time. The white moment is a reward for all your hard work and preparation. You just go with the flow and enjoy the experience.
Many athletes have experienced this sensational experience at one point in their career but for most it happens by chance. The greatest performers in history have these moments often and for them it happens by design. There are 5 essential elements that must be present within the performer in order for a white moment to occur. If you wish to be great you must learn create "white moments" on demand by developing these 5 elements.
1. Challenge- The challenge must be great enough to exert 100% of your energy and focus. The moment must be significant enough to stimulate all of your senses and nerves. The goal must be difficult to achieve but realistic.
"I do not look at my opponent as a threat to fall to but a challenge to rise up to." -Jon Jones
2. Preparation- You must cultivate a set of appropriate skills, which requires the concentration of attention. The skills and perpetration must be equal to the challenge. Confidence is built through preparation and confidence is essential. When you have properly prepared you trust that the skills you have are sufficient for the task.
"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights." -Muhammad Ali
3. Fearlessness- You can't be afraid to fail. You are more likely to achieve your goal when you let go of the need to have it. Let go of the need to win and you can perform freely. Attack any remaining fear with anger. Replace uncertainty with attitude. Transform anxiety into excitement.
"I cannot promise a win. I can only promise to perform to the best of my ability. I am confident that will be enough." -George St. Pierre
4. Focus- Focus only on what you can control. Extrinsic goals such as beating an opponent, impressing an audience, or obtaining a big contract can be distractions. You cannot control your opponent, the crowd, or the outcome. What you can control is your preparation, game plan, and performance. Uncontrollables are distractions. Focus only on that which you can control.
"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus." - Alexander Graham Bell
5. Happiness- You are in a special place and time, just go with the flow and enjoy every second. When you are having fun you are lose and can perform freely. This moment is a reward for all of your hard work. This is your bliss where you can be totally free and completely lost in the activity you love most. This is you nirvana, enjoy it!
"I feel like I have already won. I get to go out there and do what I love one more time" -BJ Penn