How to Stay Mentally Strong
Four Key traits
I always say misery loves company, happiness depends on your attitude. Even before I had kids,I’ve always believed people find, discover and use different vehicles ( mine is fitness) for a healthy positive development of character. Here are four traits I definitely feel help “re-invent” me as an athlete and anyone really at the whilst of their mental game (may that be corporate finance, homemaking, medicine, you name it).
*Compassion
*Awareness
*Responsibility
*Integrity
This model approach trains not just me as an athlete, but trains the mind to better contribute to society or to those close around you. How?-Well by simply thinking this way it helps me “re-invent” my experience in a very invigorating and positive way, and I can pass this forward to others.
A Look Inside Compassion:
Be Mindful both to yourself and others! To say I’ve mastered the practice of not harshly criticizing myself, isn’t true, because it is something I must practice everyday. It is true. Not even science can disprove WE ARE OUR OWN WORST CRITIC! For real! Yikes! Growing up in a society of ” not mentally strong enough stigma” added to this behavior as well. Thank goodness for progressive minds and a society changing towards a better approach where admitting your weaknesses represents strengths as opportunities for growth and improvement. as opposed to weakness. People in general that are kinder towards themselves will generally not be affected by the MANY negative aspects of life. In translation to sports or competitive events athletes that are kinder to themselves won’t be affected by their losses or fear or failure. If you’re wondering how, it’s because we chose to not let negativity play into our performance(s).
Having self compassion enhances your relationship connections. By accepting your flaws and loving yourself, you are more willing to accept others for their flaws. You no longer see yourself better or less than someone because you again, accept everyone has flaws similar or different than yours.
How can I practice more acts of Compassion?
- Heal your own trauma first (if any). ***ABSOLUTELY NO SHAME IN FINDING A LICENCED PRACTITIONER TO HELP WITH THIS***
- Practice self compassion. (i.e meditate “I accept the best and worst aspects of who I am“).
- Practice Kindness without people pleasing and make it your intent to be genuine in doing so.
- Practice listening.
You Don't Know What You Don't Know....Awareness is key.
Awareness…Always keep a CURIOUS open mind. Curiosity manifest itself in more ways than one. The most obvious manifestation is a question followed by an answer. With a clear sense of who you currently are, and a vision of who you want to be,because that starts paving the road to your success.
As an athlete i.e my body twist, turns , extends, jumps in different expressions. Technically it can be choreography or play. This is my way of exploring curiosity through my body movement.
How can I practice Awareness?
- Look at yourself objectively.
- Perform Self Reflection.
- Take Personality Test (I take one towards the end of every-year) .
- Ask trusted friends to describe you. Or ask yourself what would your friends say about you if they were describing you to someone else?
Power lies on the Responsible:
Oh this is my biggie! Stay 100% conscientious. You must be “coachable,” or in other words able to take in feedback and incorporate this positively towards your training. Any professional trains diligently on their niche everyday to reach new techniques or strategies that will pave their success.
Practicing Responsibility
- STOP BLAMING!
- Stop making excuses.
- Be consistent and stick to a schedule.
Integrity
I love this one too! Living in accordance with your root values is the best way to define Integrity to anybody. Respect and Dignity, are very important values in my Hispanic culture. Even though respect and dignity both are inalienable human rights, to our culture, it is the foundation of a well-built household. In translation to a sport or event, it can be easy to undermine your opponent if you lose, but if you carry yourself with dignity then you are worthy of respect even if you lose. Don’t ever avoid a daunting task with trepidation. Practicing facing adversity with a smile.
To practice Compassion, Awareness, to be Responsible and hold on to Integrity are the most important character traits one needs to live a happy life.