As an athlete or exerciser you are presented with daily challenges. It’s part of life. Some challenges will excite you and spark that resiliency to kick into action and other challenges will leave you feeling out of control, anxious and unable to be successful.
Approaching with a controlled mindset full of strategy to implement might lead to success. Along with that success comes increased confidence, competence and self-efficacy. Feeling unable to meet a challenge might leave you feeling anxious, defeated and unprepared. The truth is, no matter the challenge or obstacle in your path, it is your response that directs your ability of success and growth!
The Importance of Identification
The first step to successfully approaching your challenges is to be comfortable with identification. Take a few moments and understand why you are viewing them as a challenge, what might stand in your way of success and how they challenges makes you feel psychologically.
Next, determine what element of control you have with the challenge. This can be a struggle and that’s okay! Most stress amounts from an uncontrollable element (weather, time and other people-refs, opponents and spectators). If it is something not in your direct control, think about what element of the situation you can control. In most cases, this is your response!
It’s All About Your Response
Your response includes your actions, how you carry yourself, your body language, and your self-talk. This also involves recognition of your self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. Understanding your triggers and conditions that make you feel like you lost control is important. Also, think about how you’ve responded in the past to similar situations. What did you do well? What might you adjust the second time around? Learning how to feel in control during uncontrollable situations helps you become a stronger person and athlete!
The Bottom Line
You are not going to be able to control every situation in your life. There are times you will have to be okay with letting go and re-examining your response. This honestly is a learning process, but never give up on taking the time to reflect on yourself.
Remember, it’s all about growth!
Yours in Health,
JoAnne
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