Today I would like to shift gears, and focus on sports and competition. Unbound Synergy (our
gym) is very happy to have 3 boxers competing at their first State Championships tomorrow –
we could not be happier or prouder and more excited for them. This brings me back to my time
competing as a gymnast, particularly, my first National Qualifier. I had had many other
competitions, and every single one was a stepping stone on my journey towards the Olympics,
but this competition was very important – it would determine who would be part of the
National Gymnastics Team training for the next set of competitions leading to PanAmerican
Games, World Championships and ultimately, the Olympics.
I had only been doing gymnastics for 5 years, and the thought of competing against the top
athletes in the country was quite daunting. My confidence was not where it should have been,
nor was I as prepared as I wish I were, but I qualified for this competition, and I had nothing to
lose but everything to gain. I pushed back the fear, the feelings of not being good enough, and
made the best of it – thankfully, that was good enough and that was the beginning of my
journey as a member of the Gymnastics National Team. Another lesson – you will never feel
perfectly ready, you just must go for it… but back to mental training.
I wish I had known more about mindset and mental preparation, but back then it was not part
of our training. Nowadays, all athletes competing at higher levels use mental training as part of
their regular practices. Once an athlete reaches a certain level, the mental aspect of the sport
becomes even more important than the physical in their success. An athlete can be the most
talented on a team, but if their mindset is not at the right place, their athletic performance will
be stunted and those who work hard and have the right mindset will go further. It is crucial that
all athletes work on their mindset, and that is one of my goals – to offer mental training as part
of my coaching practices.Today, I would like to share some tips on what an athlete should focus on during competition
day, something I will be sharing with our boxers as they prepare for their biggest competition
thus far, and something that will help them as they continue through their athletic journey.
I hope you find this useful as well!
1. Embrace the Experience. By seeing a competition as opportunity to learn and grow,
not only can we continue to improve within our sport, but it also lessens the pressure
we put on ourselves to perform. Every competition, regardless of the outcome, is a
chance to learn and get better. You have worked hard – enjoy the moment and make
the best of it!
2. Focus on the Process, not the Outcome. The main objective to every competition
should not be winning, but rather, executing skills and strategies as you have learned
during practice. Every event/competition/match/tournament will be an opportunity to
improve your skills and your performance. Vision your journey as a marathon, not a
sprint– it is a journey. Focus on progressively getting better, and little by little, you will
be getting closer to your ultimate goal.
3. Stay Positive and Confident. Use positive self-talk and visualization. Practice seeing
yourself having the best performance of your life, doing everything you have practiced
perfectly. Picture yourself succeeding and feeling great, and everyone around you happy
and proud – your body will follow your mind! Use affirmations and positive words to
remind you of what your coach would tell you do to during each event/skill.
4. Control What You Can. Focus on your attitude and effort, instead of what or how
others are doing – you cannot control that, only what you do, how you present yourself,
how you act towards others. Try your best, and present great sportsmanship towards
others. Remember, not only do you represent yourself, but also your team. BE
PROUD/RESPECTFUL/ENCOURAGING/KIND/POSITIVE.
5. Stay Present. Stay in the moment and do not think about the future or possible
outcomes. Take one move, one play, one round, one event at a time. This will help you
decrease anxiety and pressure, and will help you perform at your best.
6. Resilience and Recovery. Bounce quickly from any mistake or disappointment. No
one is perfect, and there is always a chance to get back up and improve. The most
important thing is how you respond and recover. And my favorite saying “IT IS NOT
OVER ‘TIL IT’S OVER,” so get back up and keep going.
7. Great Sportsmanship and Team Support. Lift others, encourage your teammates
and provide a sense of confidence and positivism to those around you. Not only will you
help others but you will also benefit from the positive energy and camaraderie –
everyone will improve their performance!At the end, a single competition is just that – one event in your athletic journey, one
event in your life; there will always be other opportunities. No matter what, everyone
will be proud of your effort and accomplishments as you go through your journey.
Remember, this is just a stepping stone in your future. And if you are coaching others,
this is particularly important – be proud of your athletes, no matter what the
circumstance is, they are doing the best they can at that moment.
FOCUS/BE CONFIDENT/HAVE FUN/ENJOY THE MOMENT!
