The Physcological Edge

Since I started training for my first triathlon I have noticed the slow physical changes my body has gone through. These changes were not apparent at first but as my training progressed I was able to see tone and muscle where it had never been before. It made me feel good. Yet the greatest change had nothing to do with speed, strength, or endurance.
During my training I have put my body through many workouts and felt varying degrees of pain afterwards. At first I dreaded the workouts, but that soon ended and I began to look forward to the challenge each workout presented. I realized I was gaining greater self confidence almost daily and those around me began noticing it too. Once I became aware of this I felt unstoppable. It is true that the human body can endure extreme physical hardships but I am convinced that the trained, confident mind can take the physical body farther.
I cannot even begin to describe how it feels to have power over my own body and to have control in an area I once thought was merely genetic. If I am having a bad day I just make a long run to my soul and there I seem to find the strength I need.
The mental power that one gains through training is amazing and I think many beginning triathletes experience this. I now realize that I can improve as an athlete because my level of physical ability can be greatly empowered by my mental determination. The sport of triathlon is the essence of mind over matter. If for no other reason than this, I will be forever grateful to the day I went to my first triathlon.

Be A Dreamer of Dreams

Throughout history the greatest achievements of mankind have come as the fulfillment of someone’s dream; ascending the highest mountain, crossing the mightiest ocean, standing on the moon. These events began as a dream in the heart and mind of an individual who saw beyond what others said was possible and wondered about the impossible. Ever wonder what the difference is between a wish and a dream? It is that a wish depends on someone or something else; a while a dream depends on the passion of the dreamer.
Be a dreamer!

Clarify Your Personal Vision
When the days, weeks, and months ahead of you become a picture in your mind’s eye, begin to look for the detail. As you see your success, identify the objectives and goals that stand out. What do they look like? What personal habits or characteristics do you possess? When you review your achievements, what singles you out as one who excels? What have you overcome to accomplish what others feel is beyond reach?
See enough detail to make your personal vision real!

Plan To Succeed
Write what you see in your mind. With words, draw the images of success, achievement, and accomplishment that your mind has opened to you. Begin to chart on paper the course from where you are to where you see yourself in your dreams. Eliminate doubt, overpower fear, and have courage to create a plan that will make your dreams real.

Begin Today
Now is the time to start. This moment. In some way, in any way, take control of your life and let your dreams become the power that drives your thoughts, your actions, and your purpose.

Remember:With every challenge there comes a promise
Each day presents us with a variety of challenging situations. The difference between those who will find success in this life and those who will remain mired in a life of mediocrity is how they meet those challenges. Those with vision will see that every challenge comes with a promise. The key is to realize that each specific promise is directly linked to its corresponding challenge.
Your personal achievement will be a direct result of the challenges you are willing to accept. It has been said that an individual’s courage is not found in what they have overcome, but in the challenges they are now willing to face.

The Road Less Traveled

As athletes we must travel the road to personal victory before we ever hope to arrive at the point of public achievement. We must develop the habits of personal discipline, personal vision, and master the principles of personal leadership.

Habits Of Personal Discipline
Personal discipline requires us to live by true principles. We must be willing to do what is required if we are to pursue personal success. Every day we must find the strength to overcome excuse and convenience if we are to maintain our training regimen. As we learn to make key decisions in advance we develop a deep sense of athletic integrity. We become courageous enough to demand more of ourselves.

Develop A Personal Vision
Many athletes believe that setting a goal is the key to their success. While setting a goal will help an athlete stay focused, it is the vision of that goal becoming a reality that will make difference during training and competition.
The athlete that can create a mental picture of each step leading up to the accomplishment of their goal is the athlete that will see training objectives reached and goals realized.
Develop a vision that it is real enough to lead to the development of personal behaviors that will produce the desired outcomes. Successful athletes know that there is immense power in developing a vision of want they want and how they will achieve it.

Master The Principles Of Personal Leadership
If we are to position ourselves to rise above the expectations of others we need to master the habits of personal leadership and rise above an environment of mediocrity. Develop a personal vision that creates the freedom to excel. See life as an opportunity to fully and precisely achieve at the highest personal levels.

Remember: With every challenge there comes a promise.
Each day presents us with a variety of challenging situations. The difference between those who will find success in this life and those who remain mired in a life of mediocrity is how those challenges are met. Athletes with vision will see that every challenge comes with a promise. The key is realizing that each specific promise is directly linked to its corresponding challenge.
Your personal achievement will be a direct result of the challenges you are willing to accept. It has been said that an individual’s courage is not found in what they have overcome, but in the challenges they are now willing to face.