Top 10 Mental Mistakes Track and Field Athletes Make
- Getting involved in the hype by reading the papers, social media and/or looking up your stats. After your season is over, then you can check this stuff out. During the season, focus on always improving.
- Associating with negative people. They will slow you down and taint your progress during the season. Keep your distance from them. Track and field athletes are always pushing their limits. It’s important to be around people who believe the next level is possible for you; whether that’s shaving seconds off your time, cleaning up a relay pass, jumping one foot further, or vaulting one foot higher.
- Making any particular event or meet “special.” All competitions and practices are important, but nothing is ever special. Special adds pressure. Treat everything the same to stay consistent. If you treat every practice with the focus and work ethic of a meet, you won’t have to change anything once you get to the meet!
- Believing ANY opponent you face is unbeatable. There are countless examples of the underdog succeeding – David and Goliath, The Movie “Miracle”, etc. It’s possible for you too.
- Getting hung up on the past or worrying about the future. Only worry about the present and how you can do your best at this moment. These are two examples of uncontrollables in track and field that add a lot of anxiety and stress but don’t achieve results. If anything, thinking about past negative performances or thinking ahead to the outcome of your event is extremely draining. The anxiety you feel will be sure to zap your energy, make you tight, and underperform.
- Under any circumstances using the word CAN’T. Don’t ever say that word! It is likely that you are just momentarily frustrated with learning a new skill. Break down the goal or skill into smaller, more manageable parts. If you are learning how to pole vault higher, and you are struggling, assess the steps you need to increase your height. Do you need to learn to run faster? Do you need more upper body strength? Do you need better technique? Figure out a plan and you won’t be saying you “can’t” anymore.
- Dwelling on a setback or loss. The best way to get over a loss is to learn from it. Grow from the mistake and use it to your advantage. Remember to only focus on what you can control, both in practice and in meets.
- Focusing exclusively on winning or titles. Also note when you reach new milestones or personal achievements – they are important too!
- Competing not to lose. Not losing shouldn’t be your goal – always play to win and achieve your goals.
- Using extreme self-talk that puts extra pressure on you. Don’t use words like “must,” “should,” or “need to.” Instead, say “I want” and “I choose.” You need to stay loose as a track and field athlete. Adding pressure usually makes athletes tighten up. You won’t run your fastest time, jump your furthest, or vault your highest when you are tight.
- BONUS: Not taking advantage of a Mindset Expert and being totally mentally prepared to achieve your goals.