The Mind is a Powerful Tool

Written by Kari Keenan Wednesday, 21 December 2011 17:53

The Mind is a Powerful Tool

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”
~ Reverend Jesse Jackson

One of the strongest muscles in the body is the mind.  You’ve heard of the phrase, “the mind is a powerful tool,” and that’s so true!  The mind is more powerful than you may realize.  Have you ever noticed that when your thoughts are negative (“I can’t do this.”; “This is too hard.”; “Oh, I could NEVER do that!”), it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy?  The same is true for positive thoughts.  How do you learn to use those positive thoughts to reach your goals?

In order to take your training to the next level and achieve a big goal, try incorporating the 4C’s of psychological sports performance:

●    Concentration - ability to maintain focus despite distractions.  One way to improve concentration is to set small goals that, combined together, make up your larger goal.  By focusing on the smaller elements and creating a routine for each element, you can eventually expand your concentration skills to achieve your overall goal.
●    Confidence - belief in one’s abilities.  When you have self-confidence in your abilities, you will discover you’re capable of even more than you’d imagined.  Use mental imagery to visualize yourself winning the race, walking confidently across the stage, or pushing through the last heavy squat rep.
●    Control - ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction.  When you become angry and frustrated, you essentially hinder yourself from improvement.  According to coach Brian Mackenzie, “An athlete's ability to maintain control of their emotions in the face of adversity and remain positive is essential to successful performance.”
●    Commitment - ability to continue working to agreed goals.  There will always be distractions and setbacks that may keep you from the commitment to your goals.  The key is to find ways to deal with the distractions and to remain focused.  Combine the techniques of concentration, confidence, and control to help you to continue visualize your goal and your subsequent success in achieving it.

Limits exist only in the mind, so open your mind and choose to believe in yourself, to think positively, and to focus on your goal.  You’ll discover talents and strength you never knew you had, and you’ll have the ability to accomplish anything you set your mind to!

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/scni2a8.htm

Kari Keenan
National-Level NPC Figure Competitor
FigureGirlWorld.com