11 ways to think like a champion

To get a golden Olympic medal, athletes have to train a lot and observe the strictest regime. But this is not the only thing that distinguishes them from others. Sports psychologists are sure: internal attitudes play an important role.

1.Do not concentrate on the confrontation

“Victory in the competition depends primarily on you – on your skill, preparation, composure,” says David Fletcher, psychologist, specialist in the sports and personal efficiency of the University of Loboro.

The advice seems strange, because the meaning of the sport is just to compete and win. But Fletcher insists that the most effective tactic for athletes is to focus on themselves, and not on competition with others. “Michael Felps, the most effective Olympic champion in history, was also finally removed from the pedestal,” the psychologist recalls. – If he attached too much importance to always be the first, this feeling would crush him. “.

2.Set achievable goals

Motivation plays a key role in our psychological readiness to go to the end. “If we feel that we are strong in something, we will definitely want to do this further,” David Fletcher is sure. – The secret is to find a balance between ambitiousness and the achievement of goals. If you set the bar too high, then you risk spenting your strength without getting the desired result, and as a result, be disappointed in yourself. If you set yourself a gentle regime, you will not be able to reach a new level of achievements “.

3.Love the “chill in the stomach”

The physiological sense of stress

is nervous before important events. But with a certain mood, this sensation can be useful. “Tension is a sign that the goal is important, you are tense and ready to work,” says Fletcher, adding that it is necessary to perceive this excitement correctly.

4.Remember the taste and smell of victory

According to David Fletcher, some athletes can learn to cause a victorious mood through smells and sounds – including outside the competition. For example, for some athletes, this feeling is associated with the smell of lavender or a certain song. Smells and sounds cause a strong response in the associative zones of the cerebral cortex. “This is the best way to quickly cause a memory or experience associated with a triumph,” the expert explains.

5.Know yourself

“The main advice that I give to any athlete,“ recognize myself as best as possible, ”comments Andrea Faull, a sports psychologist from the University of Woster. – To perform the exercise cleanly, you need to represent your level well, your capabilities. This is the only way you can be sure that you are ready “.