Inadequate preparation sometimes can dull the competitive edge and disrupt one's timing and concentration. To maintain an alert mental state, Lu advises players to think of a happy event or an item at home, such as a bed or clock.
在緊張、沈悶的賽前，輔導員有時會讓選手集中心力去「注意」或「想像」一件美好、愉快的事，和「睡前數羊」的效果一樣，選手可以想像家裡的床、時鐘的聲音、心跳的節奏，或是血液流動的感覺，當枯躁與單調變成一種韻律後，身體便會得到放鬆。