Believe
Of course Jesus is front and center – we can do nothing without Christ. BUT we have a part to play too. Having a strong belief in your abilities affects your motivation, your choices, and your mental strength. Successful athletes possess and maintain high confidence regardless of what is thrown their way. You can transfer this confidence to the missions battleground. However, this mental state does not happen automatically.
Apply
You must apply strategies that raise your self-confidence and belief. We all tap into different sources for confidence and it is important that you learn what will help you the most. Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. As a result, we must appreciate who we are and what we can do. Confidence can be increased with practice. Practice is consistent, focused effort.
Train
There will be times in your training where you will struggle, or won’t be able to do something (yet). You will get frustrated if you’re pushing yourself. You will have doubts and worries about your abilities. Well, this is normal and part of the growing process. Sometimes, you’ll feel like you’re improving at a rapid speed. At other times, you’ll feel like you are up against all kinds of obstacles. Remember, the choices we make today can affect tomorrow.
The Mental Edge
Your confidence, or lack of confidence, will determine how you approach everything. To be your best, you must continue to build upon your ability so that you can trust yourself, your potential, your team, etc.
Confident athletes know how to use self-talk to help them get through tough workouts. They know that they will face challenges and get uncomfortable, but trust their ability to adapt and overcome. This is called “Mental Edge”.
Over the next few weeks, we will be breaking down some “Mental Edge” concepts, awareness, and strategies for you, so stay tuned!!!
“What NOT To Do When Someone Keeps Beating You”
“I’m always slower than her. I shouldn’t even try anymore.”
“James beats me every time we do body weight workouts. I feel so weak and defeated.”
Like most of us, those thoughts have gone through your head.
You are sick of _____ beating you, edging you out every single time you do _____.
Maybe that’s true. However, the thoughts are unproductive ways to approach the situation. Those thoughts don’t help you improve. They definitely do not help you feel more driven, confident or focused on your purpose.
Instead…
Look at the situation differently and rephrase your words. Try these thoughts instead:
“Sweet, I’m only 20 reps behind James, who is one of the fittest in our box. I’m doing alright.”
“She got me in this workout because her push-ups are really strong, I better ask her for some drills after class.”
“Tim is an ex-collegiate football player and I love working out with him. His motivation is contagious and it makes me a better athlete.”
Use Comparison to Help not Hinder
You see what I mean? It isn’t fun to have a lower score than someone else, especially when the movement is your weakness and their strength.
BUT, remember that you’re on your own journey. Use the comparison as a gut-check moment. If you’re really frustrated that someone keeps beating you at strength pieces, gymnastics pieces, or conditioning work, ask yourself: “Am I putting in the time and energy on that component?” Are you actively working to improve your weak areas without losing your strengths? Therefore, making you a more well-rounded athlete? This is true on AND off the mat.
Do Your Homework
If not, get to it. Commit. Use these moments as motivation instead of frustration.
Already doing that? Great. Use these moments as reminders that you’re better now because you’re putting in the time. As a result, you have already seen many improvements.
