Key Qualities of Successful Athletes
“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” — Buddha
Sport athletes play a variety of sports in organized and officiated teams nationally or internationally. Successful individuals do things a little different than the rest, this goes for athletes as well.
For most athletes, being able to withstand the physical demands is a way to achieve success. But is this enough?
Endurance
Endurance training is the ability to withstand hardship. Whether an individual is into running, swimming, or cycling, endurance is a must.
Strong healthy muscles can help an individual go a distance.
A healthier body? A better mental fortitude? A better sleep? All of these are just a few of the many benefits of doing endurance training.
However, is this training enough to succeed?
Endurance training helps you last longer in sports but the real MVP in controlling the game is your mindset. The ability for an athlete to control their mental and emotional elements, critique task performances as well as creating a mindset for confidence and well-being is dominant for athlete’s performance.
MINDSET IMPROVES ENDURANCE
With these 2 combined, you can bet most — if not all — athletes who are at the top of their respective sports. This isn’t some kind of a genetic gift. Some people might be stronger or faster, but anyone can work hard to maximize his or her potential.
“The signal to slow down is hardwired, and there’s no good reason for it when you’re running out of energy and the body is burning more fuel that it can give to the brain.” -Andy Lane, sports psychologist
If you focus on your mindset as much as you focus on your muscle growth, you can surely have an edge on your competition.
A flow state meditation can also help you train your mindset. It can help you to stay focused on the present moment while strengthening your mind and body connection.
THE MENTAL LINK
Do you ever get “butterflies” in your stomach before the start of your game? Worry not because even the best athletes are experiencing these “butterflies’’ or pregame jitters. This pregame jitter is when you feel your heart starts pounding, your palms sweating and your mind brimming with excitement.
Are you able to stay connected to the present moment when you are in the middle of a high-stake game? Can you maintain your flow? Or does your mind start to play tricks on you, flooding it with negative thoughts?
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Mindset plays a major role in everything you do. It improves your endurance thus improving your performance in the game. Here are some few steps you can do to train your mind to focus on the present moment while eliminating distractions.
- Mindful breathing — a simple breathing practice a day plays a huge difference. A breathing practice can bring a calm and clear state of mind.
- Body scan — is one of the most effective ways to start a mindfulness meditation practice. Body scanning helps release tension and it also brings awareness to your body.
- Control subconscious mind — Your subconscious mind is the gatekeeper of your comfort zone. Your subconscious mind is your data-bank. It piles up your beliefs, experiences, memories, and skills.
Read the original article from our website: Endurance and Mindset: Key Qualities of Successful Athletes
