We all face myriad distractions that can keep us from achieving the things we really want in life. Unforeseen circumstances force us to change course, or supply obstacles not initially expected. It’s how you react to these circumstances that matters most.
I have had the opportunity to work with some phenomenal athletes, and the most successful have distinguished themselves not only in their athletic performances, but by the traits they demonstrate throughout their training. There are three principal traits that I believe can help someone guarantee their success in reaching any goal (fitness-related and otherwise).
Focus
Goal achievers keep their eyes on the prize. It is impossible to distract them from their goal. No matter what is going on around them, they prioritize the work that must be done to bring them closer to their goal.
Focus also means having a limited number of goals. You cannot commit yourself fully to a dozen different things. Pick one, two or maybe a few, and devote yourself to seeing them through. If the goal is worth achieving, give it your all – that is the only way you will guarantee to make it happen.
Commitment
Focus and clarity of the goal has to be the starting point, but that alone will not get you there. You must have the commitment and discipline to fight through the inconveniences and sacrifices associated with achieving your goal. Ask any one of the athletes training to compete at Games when the last time they had a weekend to themselves. They have sacrificed countless hours with friends and family to ensure that they are as prepared as possible to perform when it matters most. Most of them have also overcome some nagging injuries and/or spent a sizable portion of their budget on massage, acupuncture, ART, etc… to make sure their body is as healthy as possible. Throughout it all, the top performers never balk or doubt the journey. They accept that the reward of achieving their goal far outweighs the sacrifices endured to get there. They don’t miss training sessions, they don’t complain, and they don’t question the process.
Motivation
Will power only lasts so long. Most people do a great job of staying focused and committed for a week or two, but if you’re not motivated by a deeper purpose, the long journey to goal achievement can be overwhelming. Goal achievers are enthusiastic about the journey. The top athletes don’t train begrudgingly, they’re excited to the be in the gym. In fact, the biggest problem with top athletes is often keeping them from doing too much and overtraining. They love what they’re doing. If you don’t love what you’re doing, or at least love the reward that will come from what you are doing, the sacrifices and distractions are sure to wear you down. Find the deeper purpose in what you are doing. Make sure you know why you are doing it, and make sure that reason syncs up with your personal values.
There are many other traits that top athletes exhibit, but these three might be the most important for anyone setting out to achieve any goal – fitness-related or otherwise. I encourage you to put them in play. Select a goal that you would like to achieve; spend some time to create clarity of vision for what the successful achievement of your goal will look like; eliminate as many distractions as possible; commit to prioritizing your goal above all other distractions and inconveniences; and understand the meaning in what you are doing. If you can do these things, you’re capable of almost anything.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Camp SheBamf Conventitonal Core July 29th 1-3pm
-Beat Your Best WorkShop with Aly RX Star Aug 4th
-Movement and Mobility Seminar starting AUG 5th
-Nutrition and Lifestyle Seminar starting AUG 5th
-Gymnastics Seminar AUG 4th
Workout of the Day
A. Power clean 3-3-3-3-3
B. 100 power cleans (every minute on the minute do 5 burpees) (135/95)
Posted in Main Posts | 1 Comment »
