Overcoming mental barriers

ErinGoBrath

Started back last week to pre-season soccer training. As per usual I found it extremely tough going.

One of my main problems is that my mind seems to give up before the body does. i.e. During the tougher parts of training I get a 'I can't do it' mentality and cause me to stop before I've exausted myself physically.

Has anyone had a similiar mental problem when it comes to training before? If so how did you get around it?

Dragan

ErinGoBrath wrote:

Has anyone had a similiar mental problem when it comes to training before? If so how did you get around it?

I think a lot of people will go through the same, for different things on different days, be it sport, of work or there lives in general.

You just need to look at the things that will come as a result of your efforts. If you train hard, you will play better, if you play better you will win more.

If you work hard you will be promoted etc.

While it is all well and good to take your joy from the efforts, if those efforts are not bringing joy then you need to look at the end result.

If you are consistently having trouble dedicating yourself to something, then maybe that something is not for you? Maybe a change of sport would be in order?

Patto

ErinGoBrath wrote:

Started back last week to pre-season soccer training. As per usual I found it extremely tough going.

One of my main problems is that my mind seems to give up before the body does. i.e. During the tougher parts of training I get a 'I can't do it' mentality and cause me to stop before I've exausted myself physically.

Has anyone had a similiar mental problem when it comes to training before? If so how did you get around it?

I think every field sport player goes through this at one point or another. Its a very common state of mind during pre season training or when returning from injury. Especially when you have done a few tough sessions, your legs are feel heavy and full of lactic acid and others around you don't seem to be struggling as much as you are.

You have got to look at it in a positive way. Your body is being stretched and is adapting rapidly. Get plenty of sleep, keep your diet clean and avoid/reduce alcohol you will get through it. This type of training always seems like hell but you always get through it, motivation is high, team members drive you on and you haven't been dealt of the crewel blows of the season yet. A much greater challenge will be when things settle down as the season goes on to keep your body in the stretch zone and push yourself that little bit extra.

LegacyUser

i remember when i was a teenager, playing footie in the park, i'd always play alot harder, better if their were hot chicks around.

the mind's a funny thing alright.

logic1

Playing harder if there's hot chicks around means that you're not playing for yourself, you're playing to satisfy your self esteem.

It's not the end result that counts my friend, it's the journey you take to get there. Enjoy everything you do and find the end result as a bonus to the work you put in, both in life and in the gym.

.logic.

justsomebloke

actually i think hot chicks are an under used resource for getting through plateaus:D