Now is a great time to talk about the champion mindset and appreciation. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion or day for this.
I work with skaters on establishing a mindset for success. I teach them how to establish excellent daily habits and thinking that will serve as a basis for transforming their mindset from the ordinary to extraordinary where their highest goals are possible.
Skaters who strive to reach the highest goals in sport, can only do so if they live their life with the mindset for success. Consistency, commitment and accountability in sport is an extension of the same things in everyday life.
Even though skating is an “individual” sport, no athlete can do it themselves. Every athlete is surrounded by a team of experts and supporters.
Stop reading this for a moment and think about everyone who helps you get out on the ice every day to do your best work.
Skater’s Support Team
- Parents and family
- Coaches
- Choreographer
- Conditioning coach
- Dance, flexibility, specialty teachers
- Mental Game Coach
- Skate technician
- Rink staff
- Zamboni driver
- Training-mates
- Friends
- People who cheer you on
An athlete with a champion mindset notices things that others do to help them every day. They take time to look them in the eye, smile and say “thank you.” If someone has changed your life big or small, let them know.
People want to support you in your journey to your goal. This single minded focus can seem very selfish at times. It needs to be. But like it or not there are many people out there helping you to be selfish. If it weren’t for them, you would not be able to keep that focus.
All of these people on your team do things for you because they want to. They don’t expect anything in return. But watch their eyes light up when you acknowledge their contribution with a simple “thank you.”
Appreciation doesn’t have to be a lavish gift. A sincere thank you, a hug or a written note from the heart letting them know how they have touched your life, and what it means to you is enough.
The first step to changing your perspective is appreciation. This might seem unrelated to being a champion. On the contrary, appreciation puts you into the mindset to see more to appreciate. It is like a snowball rolling down the hill gaining momentum.
When you are looking for things to appreciate, that bad skate becomes an opportunity for learning, a chance to address something that will help you in the future. It is a basic piece of the Learn and Grow Champion Mindset.
Action Plan:
Sit down today and write, give or send thank you notes to those who have helped you through this season.
Yes, this means to your parents too.
Looking for more ways to learn the Champion mindset? Changing your mindset is a process. It requires constant attention and practice just like your skating. While I offer as much information as I can in my free articles, it is often not enough if you have big goals in skating.
Work on your mental game to build the tools you need to excel in your sport and in life. Imagine what it would be like if you knew you could turn out your best performance every competition? Start your journey to worry free competition. Download “Confidence Myth Busters,” a complimentary eBook.