Competitive gymnastics demands precision. A split-second timing error on a dismount, the slightest angle in body position, or a touch too much power on vault can separate perfection from a costly error. For gymnasts, managing the competition pressure becomes as crucial as technical mastery itself. Among the most effective tools? A well-crafted pre-performance mental routine.
The only limitations we have in life are the ones we set on ourselves. Our minds and bodies are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. As athletes, we must first open our minds to the possibility of achieving our dream. Then, work with coaches, trainers and any others involved to create a plan to achieve the dream. Then, work ... and work ... and work some more until you reach your goal. Use failures and setbacks as part of the learning process, and not as a barrier to your ultimate success. Most importantly - never give up!
Never let the fear of falling keep you from FLYING!
#MotivationalMonday
Most times, failure is a much better teacher than success. Gymnasts and coaches need to have the courage to try new skills (after going through the proper learning progressions) even when short-term failure is a high probability. It's part of the learning process. When gymnasts learn to overcome short-term failures, they are setting themselves up for long-term success in the gym ... and in life.
Over time, when it comes to our athletic training, we all tend to develop the mindset of, "this has always worked for me, so there's no reason to change it." Or, "I'm comfortable with what I'm doing and it seems to be getting the job done."
We all tell ourselves at some point that we are going to get in the habit of doing something consistently that is beneficial to our health, sport, fitness, career or life. It's the same story for many people. We start our new habit with excitement and motivation and then slowly we start to fade, make a few excuses, prioritize other things and all of a sudden, your new habit has vanished.
Outside of what I do with American Gymnast, I work in one of the most challenging industries when it comes to trying to stay in shape - the airline industry. I am a pilot, and like most pilots, my schedule can be rough at times. In a typical summer month I may spend 4 days on the road, come home for a few days and then repeat. While on the road, you can have up to 14 hour workdays, spending 8 of it in the cockpit and the rest hanging around small airports trying to avoid the most unhealthy food you can imagine. Once you finish with the day, you wind up at a LaQuinta Inn (free continental breakfast!) so exhausted that the last thing on your mind is trying to squeeze in a workout.
