I’m trying not to watch the Paris Olympics and failing. After all, it’s only every four years, and there is something spectacular about witnessing world class performance in almost every sport imaginable
My adult responsibilities are competing with watching elite athletes. Not being physically gifted by any means, I’m drawn to the mentality of sport more than the sport itself. Secretly, I feel good about still being able to tie my shoes or pick things off the floor without undue strain. I’m proud of walking an 18-minute mile.
I watch the best of the best for inspiration, especially the mental aspect of what drives top performance: focus, discipline, commitment, consistency, practice, resilience, and even gratitude. These aspects are available to everyday people like you and me for applying to daily life.
While we may lack the muscle or desire to compete, you and I possess the most critical component for achievement—mindset. Your brain is amazingly adaptive (it’s called neuroplasticity) and it’s yours for the taking. Here’s how:
- Make every day a Game Day. Consciously focus on being mentally ready for whatever comes your way. My mantra is “suit up and show up” so I can think like a winner.
- Use mental muscle to shrug off things that bug you. Reframe. Consider adversity as an unexpected opportunity to find creative ways for meeting challenges (this works).
- Don’t be cruel, use stress as a fuel. When things go south, think ABC: Assess. Breathe. Control what you can (you!). Encourage yourself to keep on going instead of giving up.
Thought drives action. Your mind-body connection is a powerhouse, your secret gym. Use it to meet the rigors of your special event called life and think of every day as game day. Stay focused, practice persistently. And in four years, measure how far you’ve come. You might just be surprised.
© Leslie Charles, Speaker, Author, Funeral-life Celebrant. leslie@lesliecharles.com
