As you know, the CrossFit Games Nor Cal sectionals are coming up this weekend. Game Day is different than training, for better or worse, requiring unique skills that also require practice. You have seen them prepare physically but you may not have seen how these athletes prepare mentally. Take a second and try to remember when you trained with Jason, Joan, Josh, Matt M and/or Tony last time (or many other successful athletes at MDF for that matter). Did you notice how they were practicing to build these “mental toughness” characteristics as well as their physical skills? The best athletes weren’t born with these characteristics, they develop them through practice in the same way they get better at their cleans. If you have time this weekend, watch them display the following characteristics on Game Day!
Seven Characteristics of mental toughness (From Gary Mack’s Mind Gym):
- Competitiveness. A competitor will find a way to win. Competitors take bad breaks and use them to drive themselves just that much harder. Quitters take bad breaks and use them as reasons to give up.
- Confidence. Confident athletes have a can-do attitude, a belief they can handle whatever comes their way. They almost never fall victim to self-defeating thoughts. They go into each competition believing they are the best competitor until someone proves otherwise.
- Control. Successful athletes are able to control their emotions and behavior. They focus on what they can control and don’t allow things that are out of their control to affect them. The hallmark of mentally tough athletes is the ability to maintain poise, concentration, and emotional control under the greatest pressure and the most challenging situations.
- Commitment. Mentally tough athletes focus their time and energy on their goals and dreams. They are self-directed and highly motivated. Those who want it more will be successful.
- Composure. Mentally tough athletes know how to stay focused and deal with adversity. How an athlete manages their emotions can determine whether they win or lose. A mentally tough player will say to him / herself about a bad call by a judge or referee: ‘OK, if I’ve got to beat the other guy and the referee, then that’s what I’ll do.’
- Courage. A mentally tough athlete must be willing to take a risk. That’s what peak performers do. It takes courage to grow up and to achieve your full potential.
- Consistency. Mentally tough athletes possess an inner strength. They often play their best when they’re feeling their worst. They don’t make excuses.