If you are training for a specific sports goal you will likely have defined your ultimate goal, for example getting six pack abs or being able to run a marathon, and you are training with your ultimate goal in mind.
As you go along you may experience any number of obstacles, unforeseen variables or even setbacks. For example, when I was training for my first triathlon several years ago, I was not making anywhere near the progress I needed to hit the times I was looking to achieve. It was really dispiriting and I actually got slower as I continued my training over the coming days. Even thinking back to this time now I feel the sense of frustration, loss and restlessness that this disappointment caused.
However, this was also a big turning-point for me in my training life. It was then that I realised being mentally trained was actually more important than being physically trained for what I was wanting to achieve. By this I mean that this experience taught me the value of getting mentally prepared for the task at hand in advance of getting my physical preparation underway.
Specifically the crucial discovery for me was to define a series of sub-goals which together make up the overall goal. So for example, in respect of my bike training I made it my goal first to run 10 kilometers in my personal best time and then week by week look to knock a stretch-target of seconds off that time. Each of these smaller goals would help me ultimately achieve my overall goal. And because I was hitting each goal like walking on stepping stones to my ultimate objective, I kept experiencing immense positive feedback from each mini-victory. It was a virtuous cycle which enabled me to attain the tough training goals I had set for myself.
When I first started abs training with the aim of getting six-pack abs I deployed the exact same stepping stone approach to attaining my ultimate goal. Because of the training and nutrition methods I followed to getting six-pack abs I was actually finding it reasonably easy to achieve my goals. However, the confidence I had from my motivation-sustaining mental approach enabled me to power through to the washboard abs I had always wanted.
Everyday I deal with people who are overcoming an obstacle to achieving the training goals they have set themselves. Everyday I encourage people to split their target down into digestible chunks and just enjoy powering their way through a big problem they made small. This really is one of the best mind techniques out there to attaining whatever training objective you have for yourself- whether it is getting six-pack abs, a triathlon, a particular swimming distance or firming a loose belly. In fact this technique is useful for any number of life goals – not just sports. Maybe consider using it next time you are looking to take an exam or write a speech!
Good luck – whatever your training and other objectives in life!
Hal Taylor is a fitness expert and has been a personal trainer and sports motivational coach for over 10 years.
More tips, techniques with an abs-training focus can be found at [http://www.loosebelly.net].
