How To Work on Being Mentally Tough ?
BY LESLEY TIMBOL ( Adapted from Dr . Patrick Cohn at Peak Performance Sports , LLC .)
What is the opposite of mental toughness ? The counter to mental toughness is mental fragility .
The mentally fragile bodybuilder tends to experience apprehension in big moments , becomes overwhelmed when playing tough competition , and feels inadequate compared to other bodybuilders .
Mentally fragile bodybuilders are anxious even before the competition starts and have difficulty controlling their emotions after a mistake .
However , your mentality is not an either / or proposition . It is actually a misconception that you are either mentally tough or mentally fragile . In fact , mental toughness lies on a continuum from low to high .
Another misconception is that mental toughness is a genetic trait . Mental toughness is a skill , not a product of your genes . Since mental toughness is a skill , you can build your mental strength through training .
You cannot expect to go through the motions in practice and hope you will be mentally tough in a show . Mentally tough bodybuilders focus on being mentally strong in both posing practice as well as weight training and cardio sessions .
Mental toughness is particularly on display late in shows . Low levels of mental toughness cause bodybuilders to lose their fortitude and focus within the lengthy final comparison rounds . on poses & transitions , and compete aggressively .
Mental toughness is a skill . Mental toughness is a part of your preparation for a show . When you are not working on your cognitive skills , you are not thoroughly preparing to compete at a high level .
Building Mental Toughness
One strategy for building mental toughness is to train your mind during practice by imagining situations you ’ ll have in competition .
If you want to compete aggressively , especially at the night show in a very competitive line-up , create that scenario in your mind during practice . For example , tell yourself , “ This is it , time to shine and show the judges what I ’ ve got . This stage and overall title is mine !”
In this scenario , you are training your brain as to how you want to perform in that show .
Practicing mental toughness will help you perform with mental toughness in competitions .
If you would like direction on practicing for greater mental toughness , please text me at ( 416 ) 805-6155 or email me at
lesley @ timbol . ca so that I can help you develop the confidence needed to perform at your peak and overcome mistakes or obstacles .
Consider the Arnold ’ s or the Olympia for example . Competing in such top caliber shows requires being tough-minded from the time leading up to you walking out on stage in pre-judging until the final comparison rounds are completed and you walk off stage .
To successfully compete over a two day show , you must work hard and remain focused during every minute of practice and training .
When you compete with total effort and focus , you can bounce back from mistakes , maintain confidence , focus
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