We set ourselves a challenge.
In that challenge there will be a moment.
A moment of decision.
A moment of self-doubt.
A moment where an internal question is asked.
How will you respond?
It’s an integral part of multisport that during events things get physically demanding. However there are occasions, where that physical demand can transition into a serious mental battle. It could be short course racing and managing the emotions from the intensity, it could be long course and managing the desire to stop from fatigue. Or it could be something unexpected, a mechanical, or environmental condition that knocks our sense of possibility.
There are many ways to respond to the adversity. Here is a whole guide to use for tips.
Todays post is about a mental (cognitive) approach and reframing.
As counter-intuitive as it may seem at the time, often that sense of adversity is the very experience we can be seeking. Perversely perhaps, the more we train and prepare for an event the more difficult it can be to find that place.
So as you find yourself there, with the doubt starting to rise, with the uncertainties creeping into thoughts, don’t fight them. Welcome them. They are here to excite and inspire you.
This is your body talking to you. It’s telling you something magical and new is underway. You are experiencing something that is allowing you to operate at new reaches of your body and mind.
Then as you notice these sensations in your body and in your mind, respond. Go into the next phase with curiosity. Trust that your body will support you. Let go of the expectation of the future outcome – either protecting yourself from a sense of failure or prejudging what will happen next. You are in a safe and awesome point, grasp the opportunity.
A couple of others in the coaching group are:
- Humour – sheep and cows in the fields never bother about the weather, totally in their element. So be like a cow….”moo”. Alex/Scott
- Invincible – “it can’t be bargained with, it can’t be reasoned with, it doesn’t feel pity, or fear or remorse, and it absolutely will not stop”. Kyle Reese, Terminator (some artful editing to drop off the final few words 🙂 )
- Human potential – If, Rudyard Kipling / Chrissie Wellington
“If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’” - Opportunity – “in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here….” Braveheart
- Choice – “I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” D H Lawrence
- Logic – “You do the math” The Martian
- De-construction – “You will experience physical discomfort, the choice to experience this as suffering is yours” – edited version inspired by The one you feed podcast and Suleika Jaouad
I’d love to hear of other mental strategies that folks use to help them when they are challenged in training or events.
And final advice….if on an endurance event and your mood changes….”Eat!” Life will seem brighter in 10 minutes!
