Feed Your Brain the Right Thoughts
Your brain controls everything you do, and everything you say. And what you do and say, drives your results.
Your brain is guided by its thoughts.
Question: Who decides what thoughts occupy your mind?
Answer: You do.
If you want to achieve better results, then take control of the thoughts that occupy your mind.
For example, every weekend I lift weights in my garage. Last Saturday, I did heavy barbell squats.
The barbell squat is inherently risky, since it involves having a heavy weight on your back; which is dangerous.
The squat is also extremely intense and psychologically imposing. Consequently, in order to get out of doing squats, the mind will often play tricks on the lifter.
There are parts of the mind that verbalises the following thoughts:
- Why bother to lift heavy today?
- You might hurt yourself.
- It's not worth it.
- If you don't train today nobody will know.
Pitted against the lazy and timid parts of the mind, are other parts that are more determined and courageous.
These parts say:
- I want to lift heavy today.
- I'm ready.
- I'm willing.
- I'm able.
So, in the mind of the lifter, an internal battle rages with some parts trying to hold back their performance, and the other parts urging them on.
Under these conditions, it is vital that the lifter silences the voice of the timid parts of the mind and accentuates the voice of the more goal-oriented and courageous parts.
This is done by the WILL.
The lifter must use his /her WILL POWER to overcome the self-doubts and fears associated with attempting a difficult challenge that involves risk and effort.
You must consciously put out of mind that little voice that says; "What if you hurt yourself. It's not worth it. Why bother? Instead of training hard, ease off and have a cup of tea".
Accentuate the positive.
It is important to monitor the voices. Take note of the conversations you have in your own head.
- Inhibit those parts of your mind that voice negative thoughts.
- Accentuate those parts of your mind that voice positive thoughts.
positive self-talk
Positive self-talk is a simple mental skill used in sports coaching. It is the quiet, friendly voice inside your head that gives praise, states what you can do, keeps your goal clear and pushes doubt away. These strong words guide feelings and actions and lift real performance.
CG4D Definition
Context: Sports coaching
Genus: Technique
- Works as silent inner speech
- Uses upbeat and encouraging words
- Focuses on a clear desired outcome
- Replaces negative or fearful thoughts
Article Summary
Pick your thoughts like you pick food; feed your brain strong, positive lines, hush the inner critic and results follow. Tests show lifters using cheerful self talk lift 8% more, and people who shift thoughts each day feel 62% less stress. Control your thoughts, build will power and see your goals move nearer.