PWIM ACADEMY · COURSE 01 · LESSON 01.02

What Am I Noticing?

Estimated time: 10–15 minutes · No login or personal disclosure required

Notice the difference between what happened, what you think it means, how you feel and what your body is signalling.

Learning goal

Identify an observable event, a thought, a feeling and a body sensation in a football situation. Practise recognising that these experiences can occur together without meaning the same thing.

Evidence-informed educational design drawing on metacognition, emotional awareness and cognitive appraisal. This PWIM lesson has not been independently evaluated. Scientific foundations →

1 · Opening scenario

During a small-sided training game, you make a run into space. A teammate passes in another direction. You notice a rush of frustration and think, “They never trust me with the ball.”

What can you observe? What might be an interpretation? What might you notice in yourself?

2 · Understand: four things to notice

Thoughts, emotions and physical sensations often overlap. Naming them separately can help you explore what is happening without assuming you know the cause.

You might notice something different from another player. There is no required emotional response.

3 · Practise: sort the signals

For each statement, select the description that fits best. You can change your answer.

1. “My teammate passed to someone else.”

2. “They think I am not good enough.”

3. “I feel frustrated.”

4. “My shoulders feel tight.”

4 · Reflect (optional)

In the fictional training scenario, which thought, feeling or body signal might you notice first? Why might another player experience it differently?

Private practice only: this page does not submit or save your response. Avoid including identifying information about others.

5 · Apply: a small experiment

Next time a football moment catches your attention, you could silently ask: “What happened? What am I thinking? What am I feeling? What do I notice physically?” If that feels unhelpful in the moment, you can return to it later or ask someone you trust for support.

Which of those questions might be useful to you? (Optional)

6 · Review your understanding

Four useful distinctions: an event is something observable; a thought is an interpretation or idea; a feeling is an emotional experience; a body signal is a physical sensation. They can interact, and noticing them does not require changing them.

Question to take away: How might distinguishing these signals help you decide what information you need before responding?

This activity is educational, not a diagnosis or an assessment of your personality or mental health.

Finish and recognise your learning

When you have explored the lesson, you may acknowledge your review. This does not require writing a reflection.

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