MindStrong

“You cannot consistently perform in a manner which is inconsistent with the way you see yourself.” Zig Ziglar

I’ve written about presence in a previous column, but we cannot ignore the fact that your actions result from your thoughts – not the other way around.

“You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims.” Harriet Woods

Very often victory is defined by beating others. Surely if you want to be #1 you have to get there first. But if you manage to do this without causing emotional hurt to others you become a true victor.

“Improve your self-discipline by reminding yourself of the results you will achieve through it.”

Here it is, that big word – Self Discipline. Don’t panic! In my book, self-discipline equals nothing more than Habits. So, get into the habit (pardon the pun) of forming strong habits.

The second worst thing that can happen to an athlete is to have bad race. There will be days when nothing seems to gel, when your legs are heavy, when you just don’t feel like it. Two years ago I had one of “those” days after my wife got me doing some DIY in the garden involving paving stones the day before a race. That was the longest 110km EVER on a bike.

“Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong

Pain and pleasure are the only true motivators in life. As normal human beings we take actions to either avoid pain or experience pleasure. But some people seek out pain as a means to an end.

“Your past is not your potential. In any hour you can choose to liberate the future.” Marilyn Ferguson

Remember the movie “Groundhog Day”? That’s when Bill Murray’s character wakes up every morning and experiences the same day over and over again. His past equaled his future. Everything that happened to him yesterday happens to him again today. His life is utterly predictable.

“You're never beaten until you admit it.” George S. Patton

When the British sprinter John Regis lined up at a Grand Prix meeting 200m start alongside Michael Johnson, Linford Christie and Namibia’s Frankie Frederiks, he figured he’d get 4th place.

“You win some, you lose some, you wreck some.” Dale Earnhardt

When things go well, who gets the credit? When things go badly, who gets the blame?

“Concentration is the ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary.” Ray Knight

The most important gift you can give yourself is a clear mind...

“There are admirable potentialities in every human being. Believe in your strength and your truth. Learn to repeat endlessly to yourself. "It all depends on me." Andre Gide