Mind Makeover

in your language usually signals doubt and apprehension. Typically there is a lack of commitment in whatever follows.
Makeover Forget about trying. Commit to what you are doing. When Stephanies coach would give her instruction she began to routinely say out loud I commit to getting those five strides or whatever the direction might be. It made her feel like she was attacking her task instead of shrinking from it.
I love my new word commit said Stephanie. It makes me feel like I am really going after something. It also makes me think more about what I need to do to make it happen. I think before I was just being more passive all around.
Forced Positive Thinking 
You heard me. I know you didnt see this one coming. And no it is not always counterproductive but under certain circumstances it definitely can be. Faced with insistent inner negative dialogue many riders and people in general resort to using affirmations. These are positive selfstatements usually starting with I am. For example I am a gifted rider or I am effective and capable.
For some this kind of selftalk works just fine. It boosts their esteem and resolve resulting in good rides. But for others it can cause more heartache. What sometimes happens is the unconscious mind having different beliefs than those being presented starts to mobilize an argument. What do you mean youre capable? Dont you remember your track record or do I have to remind you? Some of you know all too well what direction this goes next. Your mind turns into a war zone and you spend far too much time trying to resolve the conflict instead of riding.
Another problem with trying too hard to make positive talk is the pressure it can generate. You try and try and dont see quite enough results. This can leave you feeling even more negative about your chances than when you started.
Makeover Instead of focusing on the positive or the negative try the neutral. Task related talk involves a focus solely on what it takes to get the job done Light hands eyes up or Even pace smooth corner. For many athletes this approach is more effective and less stressful. Try it out and youll see your focus go from how youre doing to what youre doing. Even better your results will look after themselves.