After a couple of weeks with a severe lack of training - due to injury and our sweltering Melbourne heat wave(which is most definitely not the ideal preparation for a big race in a week and halves time!!), I have found myself with a wandering mind...
It's funny how when you stop doing the things that seem to give you confidence, your mind starts to feel as if it is unable to complete the things that should come easy to you.
I haven't been able to run or ride as much as I would have liked to. As a result, I have had more rest days than normal. Each of these rest days, in my mind, acts as a form of 'defeat'. I feel as if I am unable to do everyday tasks, achieve what I want to be achieving in my career, unable to complete the half ironman goal I set for myself (which - up until a couple of weeks ago, felt somewhat attainable!), unsure about the direction I am heading in life....confidence plays a very big role in our ability to take on larger tasks.
During a hard swim or run session, it is as if my body has to demonstrate to my mind that it is suitable and up to any upcoming challenges.
And when my body does what I want it to - I feel as if I am ready to take on a new challenge again! It's as if our mind has to interview or body, and occasionally, the other way around, to ensure that it is capable of being 'at one' with the other.
Being able to connect the two - mind and body, makes you a far stronger person.
A recent article in 'Runners world magazine', (p.74 - 77), suggests that being able to feel a sense of 'flow', where our body (or skill level - such a running, or completing a task at work) is matched with the level of challenge, makes us forget all of the little 'troubles' in our lives. For a period of time, we feel clear headed, confident and with a sense of growth and satisfaction. This 'flow' is what people, particularly high achievers become addicted to, and understandably!!
So how can we keep this so-called 'flow', allowing us to feel awesome and accomplished more often?
1) Set yourself a goal (Remember, we have to make something challenging for our 'skills'; not too difficult to cause anxiety, and not too easy to cause boredom).
2) Focus on the moment. Take the time to look around you, feel what your body/mind is doing rather than the extra large 'to do list' sitting on your fridge at home.
3) Focus on something that you can control. For example, as much as you like - you can't control everything. So, the reaction of others, relationships or employment may be a little unreasonable to focus on all the time - think about your response, your actions, your own goals.
4) The more effort you put into your goal - generally the better result, and the resulting more regular 'flow' will occur. So 'go and get them girl!'.
Giving yourself challenging, but attainable goals is a brilliant and proven way to improve your confidence. Be it a physical, mental, family, workplace, academic or travel goal - the feeling of 'flow' you get from reaching it, or even knowing that you're getting closer to your goal will improve your confidence. It amazingly has a ripple effect on your outlook on life and gives you the confidence to try new challenges, or push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Xxx
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