To succeed and perform their best, athletes need to use their minds as well as their bodies. Mental techniques help to control emotions, manage stress and improve participation and performance.
Motivation is a combination of the performer's determination and enthusiasm to achieve their goals and the outside factors which affect them. Motivation can take two forms - intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation is the inner drive to succeed, engaging in the task or adhering to the activity for fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. An example would include going to the gym to keep healthy.
Extrinsic motivation comes from sources outside of the performer and usually involves rewards, for example, prize money, trophies, certificates or recognition.