As I prepare for another competition this July, finding the balance between work, relationships, and volunteer coaching (in addition to training and dieting) can be quite overwhelming. My obligations pull me in every direction and I tend to worry if I’m neglecting one or the other.
When it’s time for me to diet and become more meticulous about my food intake, I tend to worry about the quality time I spend with my fiancé, friends and family because sharing a meal is a considered a social activity. When I bring packed meals to events, I feel that it seems to make others feel uncomfortable - I find myself apologizing for the broccoli and tilapia that end up stinking up the place! Sure, I’ve been competing for four years in this industry, but by nature I’ve always been a ‘worry wart’ and have always conformed in order to make others happy, sometimes before myself. As I prepare for my upcoming competition, I have to keep telling myself that I am doing this for me: I can only do the best I can do and should not worry so much about what others may think. Regardless of how I place or the sacrifices I need to make, competing is something that I enjoy; I cannot compromise on the path to improving my performance.
While researching Sports Psychology today, I found an article by Dr. Patrick Cohn. Dr. Patrick Cohn is a master mental-game coach who works with professional and amateur athletes, sports parents, and teams of all levels. Dr. Cohn’s article really struck a chord with me and I wanted to share it with all of you. ENJOY!
“One big challenge for many athletes today is the fact that they worry so much about what others think when they perform that it becomes a huge distraction.
It is extremely important to care about other people. However it becomes unhealthy when athletes worry too much about what others think of them to the point that it distracts them from focusing on the task.
We call this social approval or acceptance. It causes athletes to look for status from their peers in the form of respect, admiration, popularity, or wanting to fit in or be liked. Many people in today’s society crave these qualities.
When you worry too much about what others think, you can’t focus on what is really important - your performance! In addition, this mindset also causes you to avoid mistakes or bad plays - not a good mindset to instill peak performance.
Let’s face it, many athletes want respect from their peers. But at the very least, you have to let go of what others may or may not be thinking about you when you compete. To get your head in the game, focus on what is truly important during your performance!”
Article Source: ezinearticles
As you take on resolutions to become a healthier version of yourself, you will be making changes. Some of the changes you make may, and will, impact your current relationships. If your partner isn’t up to making the same changes you are, keep in mind that the changes you’re about to make will help you become a better person not only physically but emotionally. As selfish as it may sound, you have to put you first. Oftentimes the ending result will be more than you could ever expect. This 2008 season I plan to do just that and I can only imagine how much more I will accomplish when I worry less.
-Mona Liza Reyes
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