When we think about professional athletes, it’s easy to acknowledge the time they commit to their sport. Training schedules and nutrition plans are crucial to the success of any contender – those are the fundamental building blocks, the “givens.” Obviously a pro would train hard, and eat food that fuels them. When we watch athletes in action, we’re impressed by their strength, agility, and speed. Something we don’t about as much, however, is how they’ve trained their brain to win.
The old saying that something takes “mind over matter,” speaks directly to this concept. You can be strong, agile, and swift, but you need to mentally prepare and commit to your sport, too. Keeping your “head in the game,” is just as important as keeping up with your workouts. Here at FitStar HQ, we recognize that exercise can be tough – and you have to really want to see results to get them. The Huffington Post has an article about how some athletes mentally prepare to win, and the techniques resonated with us, too. If you want to really be great, you need to exercise your body, and fuel it properly, but you also need to train your brain.
Here are five tips to mentally prepare to win, like a pro.
#1 – See it and believe it.
Using “mental imagery” or visualizing your outcome can help you reach your goals. Is there a sport you wish you excelled in, or a yoga pose you wish you could master? Visualize yourself in that pose, competing in that sport and you’ll have better chances at getting there.
#2 – Find time to focus and meditate.
Sometimes you just need to clear your head and let yourself be calm in the moment. If you have a big race coming up, or need to sleep better so you can hit your workout tomorrow harder, find some time to sit quietly, and meditate.
#3 – No more negative self-talk.
We’re all guilty of being our own worst critics – and if you really want to win, you’re going to have to take another position. Preferably of a cheerleader. Getting to your goals will happen (and possibly happen faster) if you believe in yourself, and can motivate yourself forward.
#4 – Get real about your goals.
If you want to drastically change your body, habits, or lifestyle – expecting it all to happen overnight is unrealistic. Set yourself up for success by setting attainable goals. You might start by boosting your FitStar workouts from twice a week to three times a week Perhaps you could consider increasing your step goal by 500 steps everyday, or drinking more water. Small changes can make great impact, so instead of making one big goal (such as, run a marathon in 2 months) make a list of simpler goals that build upon each other.
#5 – Feel the “flow.”
We also call this “getting in the zone” here at FitStar HQ. Our designers are “in the zone” when they are nailing it and enjoying their work, or when you’re cycling and it feels like you’re flying. When the rest of the world doesn’t break into your brain, and your mind if focused on the task at hand: you’re in the zone.
Our hope is, if you use visualization to see you succeed, meditate on your imminent success, keep up your positive self-talk, and set realistic goals, getting in the zone on game-day will be easy. Just like moves in a FitStar Program session, these concepts are better when used together. Take a look at what you want to accomplish and see how you can train your brain, and set your mind to winner’s mode.
What are your ways you “get in the zone”? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Keep Moving,
Team FitStar
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