Posture: Your Stance Matters

Are you familiar with the phrase, “You got out on the wrong side of the bed this morning” This is generally used when referring to someone who has woken up and their attitude or actions are not the best. We all have had those days, right? Sometimes life just gets on top of us.

When we watch the Olympics what do we expect to see? I think we expect to see athletes we support, performing at their best and winning medals for our country. We get excited for them, cheering them on and hope that they will win. However, we all know the feeling when they don’t win, and how disappointed we are. If that’s how we feel, imagine how they feel. Regardless of the outcome every athlete before they compete goes through a psyching ritual. They are posturing themselves to win and are channelling all their hard work, preparation, and training into the one moment before they compete. At this moment the race is just as much a mind battle as it is a physical challenge. They become totally focused. Not distracted, remaining calm and confident. They trust that all that they have done will be enough to achieve success.

Lauren Jimison writes this about pre-race preparation in her blog; ‘7 Ways to Get Your Mind Race Ready.’

1.      Train Your Brain

Almost every day, you prepare your body for a race by running or going to the gym. Learn to dedicate the same amount of time to training your mind; it’s a daily commitment.

2.      Ink Your Intentions

If you’re preparing for a specific race or event, write down your goals and make them visible.

3.      Adjust Your Attitude

It’s okay to be tired or to have a “bad” training day, but you should never let it get you down too hard.

4.      Keep Confident

Recall all the hard work you put in.

5.      Focus On You

When you show up for a race, don’t play the comparison game.

6.      Stick to the Plan

Nerves or anxiety can make us second guess our fitness or abilities, but don’t worry. Stick to your plan and things should go smoothly!

7.      Enjoy Every Moment

The most important part of your race-day plan should be to enjoy it! Instead of worrying or overthinking, enjoy the day and the experience. Races can create a euphoric feeling; race fast and have fun!

There is a lot that we can learn from the ‘7 Ways to Get Your Mind Race Ready.’ Ultimately how we set up our day comes down to the choices we make at the start of it, and the other good disciplines we have in place to support us.

 My 5 Learnings:

·       I choose my daily mood when I wake up

·       A winning posture will overcome the fear of failure

·       Establish daily mantras that help centre me for the best possible success every day

·       My daily choices must be supported by good life habits and disciplines

·       People are relying on me to be my best every day

The next time you get accused of “getting out of the wrong side of the bed” remember that in that moment you can change what happens next and how you will posture yourself. “Whether you’re an athlete or not, people are expecting you to show up as your best.”

My 3 Questions for you:

·       What can you do to ensure you start the day right?

·       Who are you cheering on and encouraging?

·       What good life habits do you have that will support you?

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

-Jimmy Johnson.”

 If you have something you have learnt from this blog, or if there is something you have questions about, please talk to me. I would be happy to chat with you.

 Remember daily to, “Find value in your influence”