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Challenging Yourself: The Competitive Mindset
Fitness | June 09, 2015
“I’m scared of failure all the time, but I’m not scared enough to stop trying.” – Ronda Rousey, undefeated UFC Champion
As summer fast approaches, some of you warriorz may be preparing for fun and healthy challenges such as 5K runs, backpacking trips (watch the movie ‘Wild’ for inspiration on this), Summer Shred Contest in the ZGYM, mud runs involving obstacle courses, even (gasp!) marathons.
I’m a firm believer in trying new things and always challenging myself. I think this is essential for personal growth. If it’s your first time attempting some kind of athletic event, fear and anxiety may start to grow as the challenge approaches. Trust me, I know that feeling! I just rappelled down a giant hotel here in Los Angeles! Still, the anxiety can be managed and tamed and can even be source of fuel to help you move forward.
Here are a few tips that are incredibly beneficial when taking part in any challenge whether or not you’re competing against others or against yourself.
Positivity
A positive mental attitude is really the key to succeeding in any endeavor, athletic or otherwise. We hear the phrase, ‘believe in yourself’ so often that it’s lost some of its power, but when it comes to athletic competition believing in yourself is absolutely crucial. Positive visualization and self-talk alongside meditation are very common methods used by elite athletes to sharpen their mental attitudes and prepare them for competition according to Dr. John Bartholomew, a sports psychologist at the University of Texas.
Have a Plan
If, for example, you and your friend are planning to run a 5K in a couple of months begin planning and preparing immediately. Don’t walk into an athletic event unprepared. That’s a recipe for frustration and disappointment. Make a training log and stick to it. The same advice I always give regarding the ZGYM holds true here as well: Habit and consistency are you friends.
Winning and Learning
Your true competition is yourself. It’s not about winning and losing, it really is about winning and learning. Often losing can teach us more about who we are and what we are capable of enduring – a hugely important aspect of life itself. Losing also teaches us what we can work on to continue to grow and prosper.
Win or lose, you can learn so much about who you are and what you’re made out of when committing to a competitive event or a new challenge. Stay strong and keep growing.
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Private Member |
cambridgeshire, england, uk
Thanks for the advice Zuzka, it couldn’t have come at a better time! In 12 weeks on 29th August I will be walking/jogging 100k (63 miles) from London to cambridge for charity. I really need to start training and getting some long walks in but haven’t found the time, just reading this article has made me realise I have to stick to a training plan if I want to succeed!
Private Member |
holland, pa
WOW!! Good for you and much luck, such a great thing you are doing 🙂
Private Member |
cambridgeshire, england, uk
Aww thanks Holly xoxo
Private Member |
It’s about winning and learning. Love this 🙂 I heard a mantra recently that I’ve found really helpful in facing challenges, it goes “I will feel the fear and I will do it anyway”.
Private Member |
That’s a very good mantra, Ellie! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Private Member |
Thanks! I’m having such a hard time being positive about the summer shred workouts. They are so incredibly difficult for me that I give up before I even begin. I don’t consider myself a beginner, either – I’ve been doing your workouts for a long time! But these are killing me, and I don’t fee like I’m getting any stronger or better (my fault, obviously). I’ve never missed as many weekly workouts as I am missing these days.
Private Member |
They are challenging! I’ve been doing her workouts for years but being able to do them all perfectly and almost effortlessly means we are stagnant. I find during the pendulum swings that voice saying I’m weak but i keep going. Even if i stop and Z is still going. Z is just a “pace car.” Keep moving even if you can’t do all the reps or go as fast. The point is you’re doing it!! 🙂
Private Member |
Thanks, Amanda! Very sweet and encouraging comment. I’m going to keep going and going…
Private Member |
Me too! 🙂
Private Member |
I just LOVE you. I’m making life altering changes and it’s super scary but then I remind myself that the times I was most scared and anxious about anything in life were the times I was most content with in the end. Challenges made me stronger and made me proud to see how far I’ve come. This is just another step and one step at a time is how winning is done. Oh and of course with consistency and plenty of Zgym workouts and meditation/ yoga to calm the mind.
Private Member |
holland, pa
So I read this and then went to the hyper link for ‘habit and consistency,’ and found this “There will often be days, even weeks where motivation will be hard to find and fatigue a constant, unwanted friend. That is when it’s crucial that we put our heads down, grit our teeth, and blast through our workouts come hell or high water.”. WOW, totally what I needed to see right now :). Thank you as always Z!!!
Private Member |
seattle, washington
I find having a good sense of humor also helps and being kind and supportive.
Private Member |
Challenging ourselves will help us discover the treasures within us.
Private Member |
birmingham, united kingdom
What a nice article Zuzka. I agree with everything especially with the last part:
Your true competition is yourself.
I always write down my scores in my journal and compete with myself to get better and better.
Thanks again Z for everything.
Private Member |
I’m biking a portion of the Great Divide this summer from Banff to Whitefish. It’s a self supported trip on our bikes. I’ve been biking all year here in Canada to prepare (yes, even in the snow) going to and from work every day. I bike in all weather as part of my training and put in 100km+/week with lots of uphill. I’ve never done anything like this and the views and punishment should be rewarding as we bike 600km in 5-6 days through some of the most beautiful wilderness in North America.
Private Member |
cambridgeshire, england, uk
Dana that sounds AMAZING! Would love to do something like that….maybe a challenge for next year! 🙂
Private Member |
los angeles, ca, usa
Thanks for this article, Zuzka. You’re always a great trainer and motivator. Since I’ve been following you back in 2010, I never compared myself to others. I compete myself and I gained confidence by doing it. The next challenge I wanna do is to lift heavy weights but I don’t want to give up your routine as yours is my very favorite ones because it’s so challenging. I love all your workouts. The only reason that sometimes I don’t do them is when I’m sick just like this week. Again, I’m forever thankful for you. Keep doing what you do for us. You are our angel. 🙂