Mental Toughness

Mental Toughness

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Mahatma Gandhi (Political and Spiritual Leader)

Putting in the hard work in the gym is important as is having a strong foundation of nutrition to support your training and aid recovery however both of these can quickly fall apart if you are not working on the key factor of mental toughness or mindset. Mindset is your attitude to everything and anything you encounter day to day. People who do not reach their goals and dreams quit and they quit because they have a lack of mental fortitude and a stagnant mindset.

It isn’t about winning, it is about not quitting.

In time we will cover the five pillars of mental toughness which include:

1. Goal Setting
2. Visualisation
3. Self Talk
4. Arousal Control
5. Self Confidence

For now let’s go through a situation in training where a strong mind will be the difference in the workout being more effective. You are half way through a traditional CrossFit style workout known as Annie (50-40-30-20-10 of Double Unders and Sit Ups For Time). Fatigue has set in, you are breathing heavy and turning the jump over is becoming harder and harder. You start to trip up on the double unders, only able to do three at a time which makes you extremely frustrated. Focus shifts to negative thoughts about not being good at double unders, excuses for why your double unders are bad today and why this workout doesn’t really matter. From this point on you have two options, either continue to be frustrated resulting in an inefficient workout and a poor outcome or take a moment to focus on your goal and establish positive self talk. The latter will not change the fact you have tripped up but it will aid you in performing better to finish the workout.

Books to read on Mindset and Mental Toughness

Unbeatable Mind by Mark Divine

The Invictus Mindset by C.J. Martin

Spartan Up by Joe De Sena

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Written by Luke McCracken