Mental Strength

[warriorf]

I would like to talk briefly about the importance of harnessing a "tough as nails" mentality when it comes to training (and life for that matter). Some of us naturally posses it but most do not. It is the single most important aspect to achieving a higher level. Those of us who have "it" were most likely placed in an environment, where without it, you would not survive. The military is a perfect example. From day one in basic training the instructors are trying to break you mentally. The ones who cracked got sent home, the rest were tested to see where their personal limits were, and then, pushed far beyond.

For the average person the thought of pushing through discomfort and pain is impossible. The slightest feeling of strain, the shaking of muscles, and the burn are immediate reason to quit. I have seen it over and over again. My observations have been that these people are not survivors and do not posses the fight inside to prevail. Another observation is that the people who DO have it, are among some of the most successful people in life, no matter what they do.

How can you start to develop this attitude? It starts with challenging yourself beyond what you are used to. You have to believe that you can accomplish anything. Accomplishing great things comes from the power of the mind.

Now, Lets say that you are doing a set of push ups. You get to 30 and it starts feel like fire in your chest. Your mind tells you to stop because it is burning. At this point you need to do a few more reps before you stop, pushing past your existing mental limits. If you still want to quit ask yourself this question. If it was a matter of life and death, could you keep going? Every time you want to quit ask yourself that question.

Here is a good way to practice mental toughness. Choose any static exercise that you have isometrically hold (i.e.: Center Plank, Flexed arm hang, Invisible chair, Etc.). Make sure you have a stopwatch handy as well. Start the timer and assume the static position. Hold this position as long as you possibly can. Remember to breathe continuously. At each point when your mind tells you to stop your goal is to tell yourself that you will not give up.
Now apply this mentality to your everyday training and see how your results improve over the course of time. Good Luck.