Mind Barriers - The Top Five
For an athlete, mind barriers hamper performance, impede development, and most importantly increase the probability of injury. In other words they are outright career killers in more ways than one.
The bad news for an athlete is there is no escaping mind barriers, as they are prevalent in all areas & stages of athletic development. The good news, however, is they can often be overcome and conquered with persistence, awareness and ofcourse knowledge. All of which you possess, why? Because you are an athlete after all.
As a coach/trainer Mind Barriers are one of the most challenging obstacles we are faced with as we develop athletes in this era. If an athlete can’t resolve them on their own, it is up to the coach to help. In most cases it takes extreme care and responsibly to help an athlete overcome a mind barrier.
In this article we will look at the top five (general) mind barriers that athletes are confronted with on their journey to athletic success. In future articles we will address sport specific mind barriers. Pro Wrestling, Soccer, Baseball and Hockey all offer specific mind barriers and interesting topics of conversation, however in this article we will look at the top five mind barriers that are common to nearly every sport. -JJ
Top 5 Mind Barriers
“We all start powerful but only the strong will endure. You may have the perfect diet and training plan, but the mind will limit us every time. Why is it you can’t stick to a diet? Or why has your bench max been the same for the last several years. Renegade Training Founder John Davies shares 5 mindsets that are setting you back.
Losing before you start
If you ‘see’ failure, invariably you will fail and truthfully winning starts with a ‘winning attitude’. Every champion I have worked with during my career started with a dream that most considerable highly unlikely. ‘See’ success and shift your ‘dream’ into a ‘goal’ with daily objectives.
Fear of taking risks
Great rewards only come to those willing to risk. Don’t be accepting of ‘average. Somewhere along the line of a world so fearful of failure it has dipped into a ‘culture of mediocrity’. Only you can decide your future and part of the route requires taking calculated risks. Should ‘risks’ result in temporary failure, respect this is part of the process of goal achievement.
Quick fix solutions
If there is one highly problematic aspect of modern sport coaching it is the suggestion of ‘quick fixes. Nothing of merit happens quickly and in-fact the best approach is often the longest where a great foundation is laid. Rather than search for the ‘quick fix’ consider daily ‘short steps’ towards your goals. In sum these ‘short steps’ will not only help you attain your goals but leave a lasting foundation.
Self-destruction of your goals
Whether conscious or subconscious, many will ‘self-destruct’ their efforts due to poor self-esteem through a variety of lifestyle choices as in the case of diet and alcohol consumption. Don’t ‘self-destruct’ and rather understand the path required to achieve your goals. This isn’t precisely ‘rocket science’ but athletes require a nutritious diet and sufficient sleep, hence do so and don’t ‘self-destruct’.
Fear of work
Work is not to be feared and in-fact part of the lessons of exercise. Daily training should involve challenge and at the completion teaches that a committed effort is not to be feared. Rather than fear challenge embrace the opportunity to overcome obstacles. Each day is a step and each step is closer to your goals.
Sweat more, fear nothing, set great goals and work for everything.”
Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RightCoastPro, or any employee thereof. Examples used within this article are only examples. RightCoastPro is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the authors of this article. Article is for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before beginning any exercise routine.
JJ Johnston, Renegade Trainer, Founder RightCoastPro, Active Athlete & Coach.
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