Thoughts on CrossFit Games Athletes Mental Perspectives
There are so much to learn from the following 8 athletes – they have actually done, what many CrossFitters only dream of…
These athletes made it all the way to the 2012 CrossFit Games …
The power they’ve put into their training, the way they ‘ve chosen to live their lives, the way they deal with the mental aspects – and honor them by being aware of them, these are the skills that have brought them all the way..
If you as an athlete really want to go somewhere physically and mentally, you need to be aware of ALL the factors influencing your journey, your process.
You need to step up, and take control of what is yours! Your life, Your mind and Your body!
These are my comments on each of the following 8 athletes perspectives:
I use positive self-talk and brief countdowns that allow me to keep a sense of urgency. I embrace the pain. Like I said earlier, the discomfort of workouts is expected and unavoidable. The more we embrace that and embrace the suck of the workout, the easier it is to focus on staying within the movement and focussing on completing the workout 1 rep at a time.
Aja expects the worst. By ‘embracing’ the pain it is possible for him to prepare for the worst thing to happen. If you are mentally prepared for the worst thing to happen, the pain, the discomfort, the suck of the workout - then there are no surprises.You ARE prepared. The better prepared you feel, the less pressure. The less pressure, the better performance. Be inspired by Aja – use countdowns, use positive self talk – find you own mantra that will keep you focused, and keep you reminded about what it is all about..
Never doubt or put yourself down. Always believe that you can achieve whatever you put your mind two. But its important to know that the greatest things come at the hardest prices. You most work hard and never for one second think that success is just handed to you.
Work on your self-confidence. Kenneth is doing this by never putting himself down, and never listening to others opinions, if negative. Set goals – give yourself the chance of feeling success! And work hard, never let go – for every goal, there should be a bunch of strategies to follow to reach the goal – so set strategies, these are important!
I break down the movement and think of what I have to do at that time and only that!
Always think through what is going to happen. Like Deborah is saying; break down the movements! Break down the Workout – and take it step by step. The more you have thought through what is going to happen, the better you have prepared you mind, and by that – your body!
I’ve always imagined the fatigue, pain and negative thoughts that come with every workout are the obstacles in the way of the person you dream of becoming. If you go hard enough, you’ll come to that same bridge separating you from your goals in every workout. Not being afraid to cross it keeps me pushing through the pain.
Never be afraid of the pain – Marcus is so prepared for the fatigue, the pain and the negative thoughts to come, that he is actually expecting it. By realizing that, that is just a part of doing CrossFit, come to peace with it. Find your own strategies of working through it - this can be by visualization, breathing, self talk or something else – you need to go out there, try different strategies over and over again, to figure out what works for you.
I have control over one thing … me. I have never found my self caught up in negativity, gossip, or what others think of me. I simply choose to always give my best effort.
Yep. Control. Deal with the fact that there a a bunch of things that you are not in control of! And then start to practice not paying attention to those things. Identify them, write them down – and start practicing letting go every time your mind crosses something out of your control. Because, Cheryl is so right – you have control over one thing: YOU!
I use my breathing, and I also visualize myself as a spectator.
Breathing control and visualization techniques can be of great help to control performance anxiety, nervousness, anger, frustration or other emotional states that need to be controlled in order for you to perform your best.
Attitude and work ethic towards training means everything. Coaching, great facilities, training partners, money don’t help much if you don’t have that burning desire and passion to success in CrossFit.
Attitude is of huge importance. Mikko is a great inspiration on how fare you can get by being passionate and by working hard! He is unaffiliated, and train most of the time by himself. Here, we talk about discipline at a whole other level! Discipline, attitude towards your training and passion – dont ever forget those ingredients if you wish to become a great CrossFitter.
I am a very competitive person by nature which in turn can make me very nervous come gameday! In the past I have always just reminded myself WHY I am here competing – because this sport is FUN! I love to do CrossFit! So, being able to remember that does help to calm my nerves before a competition
