Beliefs in Athletics - How Strongly Do I Believe In Me?

It was Victor Frankl who so appropriately illustrated the power of belief in his book “Man’s Search for meaning”. Frankl wrote that “The last of human freedoms - the ability to chose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances.” Athletic competition no matter how important it may seem at that time pales in comparison to the trials and terror of a Nazi concentration camp, that which Frankl was a survivor. History lessons aside, in the increasing demanding world of competitive athletics where the margin of error is so slim, this principle (one’s ability to choose his/her mindset) is a quality that should be cultivated through pre-competition training and exercised fervently during competition. Specifically stated, we have the power to choose our mental state at every single instant during competition. Many athletes have the tendency to be reactive in competition, in that they allow the external circumstances to dictate there attitude and their subsequent performance. It is often said that an athlete is only as good as his/her last play. The truth is that you are the same athlete after a good play that you are after a poor play the only thing that has changed in the two circumstances is your perspective. Let’s be clear that perception IS Reality and you have the Power to create your reality any time you want on and off the playing field. Cultivating the power of belief within your-self begins as a process of self-inquiry that centralizes around the question…”How strongly do I believe in me?”

About the author: Pete Athans is a Strength & Conditioning Coach. Check out his bio.