Welcome back to All Things Running with Sonja and Jen. Today Sonja is going to talk about embracing the present as a competitive athlete.
“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.”- James Clear
As competitive runners and athletes, it's easy to get caught up in past achievements or future competitions and goals. We may find ourselves dwelling on missed opportunities or constantly worrying about what lies ahead. However, the key to success lies in embracing the present moment and making the best out of what we have, now. I have had to really challenge myself to do this over the past year and a half and I’m just now starting to truly understand how powerful and helpful this mindset can be. Athletic performance aside, I often struggle with this premise in my daily life as well. I tend to try to control things and want to know what’s coming so I can plan accordingly. The reality, however, is that there are too many variables out of our control to possibly “know” the future and modify the past. Jen and I both follow (and read) James Clear. His quote above really spoke to me last week, which ironically I saw a few days before my first indoor track meet of the season. I used it as a mantra of sorts to temper my anxiety and expectations before the race and I have to say, it really helped! I thought perhaps there are many more of us out there that struggle with staying in the present…especially regarding competitive performances, and especially for those of us who are Masters athletes!. So, I put together a list of practical tips to help maximize one’s present abilities and resources. I hope you find this useful!
1. Embrace the Power of Now:
The past is behind us, and the future is uncertain. By focusing on the present moment, athletes can fully engage in their training and competitions. This mindset allows us to make the most of our current strengths and perform at our best. Embracing the power of now means letting go of past mistakes, missed opportunities, former personal best times or performances (especially for my fellow Master athletes!) and channeling all of that energy and focus into the present.
2. Set Realistic Goals:
While it's important to have long-term goals, competitive athletes should also set realistic and achievable short-term goals. By breaking down big aspirations into smaller milestones, we can focus on what we can do today to move closer to our ultimate objectives. This approach helps us avoid getting overwhelmed by future worries and allows us to concentrate on taking small steps towards success. This perspective can also lead to immediate feelings of confidence, which in turn supports the next level of growth.
3. Maximize Current Resources:
Athletes often have limited resources, whether it's time, equipment, or financial support. Instead of lamenting on what we lack, athletes should focus on maximizing what we do have. This could involve optimizing our training schedule, making the most of available facilities, organizing a sponsor initiative, or seeking guidance from available coaches and other competitive runners. By rethinking the best use of our current resources, competitive athletes may find new avenues for support and success that were not previously viable.
4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:
A growth mindset is essential for athletes who want to excel with what they have. Instead of viewing setbacks or limitations as roadblocks, athletes with a growth mindset see them as opportunities for growth and improvement. We can then understand that our current circumstances do not define our future potential. By embracing challenges and learning from failures or disappointments, athletes can continuously evolve and surpass our own expectations.
5. Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for competitive athletes to stay present and focused. By practicing mindfulness techniques such as guided meditation, visualization, and breathing exercises, we can harness our minds and eliminate distractions. This allows us to fully immerse ourselves in our training sessions or competitions, enhancing our performance and reducing anxiety about the future or regrets about the past.
As competitive runners and athletes, it is crucial to remember that success is not solely determined by external factors or future outcomes. By embracing the present moment and making the best out of what we have, we can excel in our training and racing performances one season at a time. Letting go of past achievements or perceived failures as well as future performance expectations allows us to fully engage in our present training, set realistic goals, maximize our current resources, cultivate a growth mindset, and practice mindfulness. By adopting these strategies, we will unlock our full potential and make it possible to achieve extraordinary results. So, let go of the past, release the future, and focus on doing your best with what you have right now… it’s all you really need!
Sonja and Jennifer are sharing their personal experiences. This is being provided for informational purposes only. We are not giving medical advice and you should always consult your own doctor for advice related to your own health.