Every two years, we are amazed by the latest in sporting achievements during the Summer or Winter Olympic Games.
Even though we all can’t be Olympic athletes, we can use these seven tips about how Olympians stay motivated.
- Talk yourself through stress.
Use rational thinking and self-talk to logically examine all the potential stressors, determine what can be controlled, gather valid comments, and ignore the rest.
- Love – or at least accept – the grind.
The biggest factor in predicting burnout is devaluing the sport by not caring about it or attributing negative qualities to it. Learn to love the practice as well as the competition.
- Be optimistic.
An optimistic or positive orientation helps Olympians bounce back from defeat. They are mentally tough and have an unshakable belief in their ability. They see failure, setbacks, and struggles as where all the good stuff happens.
- Anticipate things before they occur.
The brain’s Insular Cortex helps athletes anticipate upcoming pressure and adapt quickly. All of us can train our brains by looking ahead with positive anticipation versus thinking “do I have to”?
- Pick a coach who is more like South, not North Korea.
Athletes are more motivated when the coach is neither too easygoing nor hard charging. The ideal coach reinforces consistently using a democratic versus autocratic style.
- Try mindfulness.
Mindfulness is loosely defined as the nonjudgmental focus of attention on an experience as it occurs. Mindfulness helps achieve a state of flow and a feeling of being fully immersed in the activity.
- Think about the next big event.
Competitions and public performances provide short-term goals for specific improvements. Many athletes will stop training entirely once there isn’t a reason to practice. Motivation comes from being able to look ahead and anticipate the end result.
(Adapted from Khazan, O. (2014). How Olympians Stay Motivated.)
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Much Success!
Have an outstanding day!!
Sara