Feed your Brain the Right Thoughts
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.
Definition: 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.
Show CG4D Definition
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
How do my thoughts shape the results I get?
How can I spot negative self talk fast?
What quick method silences the inner critic in a lift?
Why is will power key for heavy squats?
Which phrases work well for positive self talk?
Does thought reframing help outside sport?
How long to build a stronger mindset?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
A 2024 British Journal of Sports Medicine study of 14 strength tests found lifters who used positive self-talk lifted 8% more weight than those who did not. The American Psychological Association’s 2023 ‘Stress in America’ survey of 2,000 adults showed 62% felt less stress after four weeks of daily thought-reframing exercises.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Motivation
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Feed Your Brain the Right Thoughts
Learn how to control your thoughts, silence the inner critic and use positive self talk to build will power, lift more weight and boost results in sport and 1
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How to Inspire Others
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Motivation by Affirmation
Discover how positive affirmations rewire thoughts, spark motivation and boost optimism. Clear steps, examples and research help you start a self-talk habit.
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How to Beat Overwhelm at Work
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10 Steps to Stay Motivated
Learn how to stay motivated with 10 steps: set goals, plan, think positive, use feedback, manage energy and help others. Turn effort into lasting success.
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