My daughters started running in high school. Not being an athlete, there was a steep learning curve for me as a sports mom. I admired their tenacity and their ability to train their bodies to endure such a rigorous endeavor. Running is very physically demanding.
However, despite the demands on the body, there is an even more important element in success in the sport of running, especially distance running. I observed over and over the overwhelming results of my runners’ mental status. Whatever they believed they could do their bodies complied with that belief.
I watched as they let other runners “get in their heads.” My girls would say, “I’m not as fast as her. She always outkicks me.” [Kicking is the final burst of speed at the end of a race.] “She’s just naturally talented.” “I can’t run that fast.” Their race results always corresponded to their mental state. When they were feeling really good mentally or better yet, just enjoying the race, their times dropped and they finished better.
I still find myself standing on the sidelines yelling at my runner girls, “GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD!!”
While running commands physical strength and fitness it REQUIRES mental toughness. It is the same with our businesses! Business requires knowledge, skills and systems, it requires mental discipline.
When you let the day-to-day, outside circumstances or competitors get in your head, here are 3 ways to escape:
1-Connect with your goals. Why are you doing what you are doing? When we have a clear picture of why we do what we do, it’s easier to do the tough stuff, to push through and be amazing. Sometimes when I think I just can’t answer another phone call asking me how much my service is, I think about my why… we are preserving someone’s legacy and returning to them what was once lost.
2-When you get discouraged by looking at what others are doing and comparing yourself to them, use yourself as a yardstick. Runners compete with other runners but most of all they compete with themselves. Dropping even 1 second is celebrated as a win – even if they came in dead last. Focus on making yourself better today than you were yesterday; this week better than last week, etc.
3 – Believe in yourself! What is the internal dialogue? Your body will do what your head tells it to do. That is true physically and emotionally. Cultivate positive self talk that encourages and edifies YOU. As my friend Tina Williams says, “You are Great!”
Ready to take your business to a new level? Be sure to get your access to my exclusive 3 part Video Series that unveils the 3 Insider Secrets to catapult your franchise or direct sales business to success here: www.theplanpiper.com.
What are your winning tips to beat head games? Leave a comment below!