These are the mental skills, all of which are learned, that are characteristic of mentally tough competitors.
« Self-Motivated and Self-Directed
She doesn’t need to be pushed, shoved, or forced from the outside. Her direction springs from within. She’s involved because she wants to be, because it’s her thing, not her parents’, coach’s, or peers’.
« Positive but Realistic
She’s not a complainer, a criticizer, or a faultfinder. She’s a builder, not a destroyer. She looks for the good in others and their motives and the situations that surround her. Her trademark is always a blend of realism and optimism. Her eye is always fixed on success, on what can happen and on what is possible – not on their opposites.
« In Control of Her Emotions
Every athlete understands all too well the unfortunate performance consequences of poor emotional control. Lousy conditions, poor starts/seeds/heats, inadequate track preparations, poor officiating, and stupid mistakes all represent powerful triggers of emotions. Anger, frustration, despair, and fear must be acknowledged and managed or they certainly will control you. The tough competitor has tamed her demons.
« Calm and Relaxed Under Fire
She doesn’t avoid pressure; She knows it will be there, and is challenged by it. She is at her best when the pressure is on and the odds are against her. Being put to the test is not a threat to be avoided, it’s a challenge to be sought. It’s another opportunity to explore the outer limits of her potential.
« Highly Energetic and Ready for Action
She is capable of getting herself pumped up and energized for competition at her best regardless of how She feels or how bad or meaningless the situation. She is her own igniter and can do so in spite of fatigue, personal problems, or bad luck.
« Determined
His sheer force of will to succeed in what She has started is beyond comprehension for those who do not share the same vision. She is relentless in her pursuit of her goals. Setbacks are taken in stride as she inches her way further forward.
« Mentally Alert and Focused
She is capable of long and intensive periods of total concentration, whether in the short hustle and bustle of a relay or the hours of a marathon. She is capable of tuning in what’s important and tuning out what’s not whether there is no pressure or great pressure. She has attentional control.
« Doggedly Self-Confident
She displays a nearly unshatterable sense of confidence and belief in herself and in her ability to perform well. She rarely falls victim to her own or others’ self-defeating thoughts and ideas. As a consequence, she is not easily intimidated by weather, track conditions, lane and heat assignments, or the fast runner starting behind her.
« Fully Responsible
She takes full responsibility for her own actions. There are no excuses. She either did or she didn’t. Ultimately, everything begins and ends with her, and she is comfortable with that. She is fully aware that her destiny as an athlete is in her owns hands. Her future is her own…
The athletes who fit this description are the most likely to perform to their potential. The world’s greatest athletes give testimony to the reality of mental toughness every time they compete.
Adapted from Mental Toughness Training for Cross Country Skiing, by Eric Evans (1990)
found this in a document on my computer. don’t remember where/why/when i got it but hey, i find it useful to remember these things!
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