I have tried meditation, and successfully acquired the skill at a pretty young age as part of our aikido lessons. However, nothing calms and refocuses my mind

I have tried meditation, and successfully acquired the skill at a pretty young age as part of our aikido lessons. However, nothing calms and refocuses my mind more than remembering a very respected collegue's voice telling me to focus when I was frustrated and making mistakes. That affirmation that he believed I could do it by focusing and that intent in his voice always helps a great deal.