In a perfect world, every workout we go through would be intense, focused, and energized. Unfortunately, they are days where we go through the motions. You know, moving weights from point A to point B without actually "feeling" it. It's tough to have fully focused workouts every time we're in the gym or on the court. That said, developing a habit of having these mindsets can help minimize the days where we feel like nothing productive came from working out.
Mindset #1—Focus on the task.
Mindset #1—Focus on the task.
I believe this is the most important mentality to have when one is working out. Whether you're squatting (best exercise ever!) in the gym or shooting the basketball on the court, it is crucial to focus on the task at hand. For instance, if you're squatting, you'd want to bring your attention to recruiting the muscles involved in the squatting movement. Focus on keep a neutral spine, push through the heels to recruit hamstrings and glutes, and make sure you get your thighs at least parallel to the ground. If you're shooting by yourself, focus on your shooting mechanics. Often times a person would get caught up with the number of makes and misses which distracts them from the real task at hand, shooting the basketball with proper form and mechanics. Remember, it's not about shooting 200 shots, it's about shooting one shot perfectly, 200 times. Of course, there will be times when your mind wanders off or perhaps something distracted you while you were in the middle of an exercise. However, if you keep reminding yourself to focus and keep a habit of focusing on a single task, it will eventually become instinctual and you will improve at whatever it is you're doing.
Mindset #2—Challenge yourself.
Whether you're about to start your WOD (workout of the day for those unfamiliar with the term) or about to start basketball practice with your team, it's important to go into these situations with the mindset of getting better. You have to want to go into your workout wanting a new PR, wanting to improve your shooting, and wanting to be better than you were the last time. Increase the weights by 5 lbs, get in one more rep, make 50 more baskets. Whatever it is, always try to one up yourself from the previous workout—it's the game of whatever I can do, I can do better. I have seen many players arrive to basketball practice just to get a sweat, have fun, and play around. That's fine if you're trying to be average or have more bench time. But in order to elevate yourself to higher levels, you have to come into practice with the mindset of improving. Don't just go through the drills cause the coach said so. Instead, push yourself outside your comfort zone—because that's where the magic happens! Even if the drill is as simple as stationary crossover dribbles, always challenge yourself. Cross it faster. Pound the ball harder. Close your eyes! If you are comfortable with any drill, then find ways to get uncomfortable. Don't forget, every workout or practice is an opportunity for you to grow and improve. Also remember, it's you against yourself. How much better or worse the player next to you is—does not matter. The number the guy or girl beside you lifts over his or her head—does not matter. As long as you keep challenging yourself every workout, you're the one standing tall when it's over—even if you didn't managed that new PR.
Mindset #3—Deflate your ego.
Don't let your ego get in the way of your goals. Yes, it is important to challenge yourself and keep adding to your total, but always know what your limits are and when you should take a step back. If you're starting to simply move barbells from A to B and not feel the tension in your muscles, it's time to lower the weight. If your squats start to stop just above parallel, reduce the weight. Don't let ego decide how heavy you should lift because more often than not, ego gets it wrong.
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| "When ego is lost, limit is lost. You become infinite, kind, and beautiful." ―Yogi Bhajan. |
There you have it. My top 3 mindsets to bring into every workout. I try to have them not only for workouts or practices, but also for whatever life brings at me because if you think about it, these three mindsets are universal—they are applicable for anything the universe throws at you. Try them out and tell me what you think. If you have other kinds of mindsets with you when you workout, do let me know what they are in the comments!
Till next time,
Moo
moo moo moo moo , moo moo moo moo !
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