Often when we train, we feel that inner “bug” that makes us want to train more, improve and go further. This motivation is generally positive and helps us achieve our goals. performance goals.
the problem arrives When this motivation becomes an obsession, which supposes an added pressure and the possibility of neglecting other important matters. In this article we will see, from the hand of the reputed Steve Magnesssome of the lessons he himself learned after obsess and fail in sports.
Being really good at something at a young age shrinks your world.
When from a very young age we stand out substantially in a sport or activity, it gives the feeling that nothing else matters, apart from improving in that discipline. This statement is wrong and dangerous, according to Magness, we need mentors in that world that help young athletes with a broader perspective. He also ensures that developing the ability to “zoom the focus away” and see things from another angle is one of the best skills you can develop in sports.
Hard work is important, but so is recovery
As for recovery, it does not only refer to rest after trainingalso talks about leisure and social life. To find other hobbies outside of our sports discipline that help us relax and relieve the pressure.
In fact, Magness backed up his claim with data, as scientists who have won Nobel Prizes were up to three times more likely to have a hobby than those who only focused on their work. we need a break.
Obsession can be both a gift and a curse
“With great power comes great responsibility.” This famous phrase can also be applied to the world of sports, the obsessionIf you are able to handle it and guide it in your favor, it will be a great help to achieve your goals. But if you let the obsession cloud your head, you will end up feeling very frustrated and you will be more likely to fail.
That your identity is not what you do
It is possible that as a result of being good at a sport and dedicating a lot of time to it, it becomes our recurring topic of conversation. and center our personality around what we do.
This is very dangerous because we are indirectly linking our sporting success to our personality, therefore, in the event that we fail in our disciplinewe will take it as a failure of our own being, we will feel like a failure. But failing is part of sport and of life and that doesn’t make us worse people, that’s why we have to learn to separate.
don’t compare yourself
The comparisons lack of context, we tend to be the most critical people (and not always in a constructive way) with ourselves. Thinking too much about the past and earlier times when you performed better will not help you in the present, it just worked before and now the same formula may not work. Focus better on what you can do to improve now.
keep things in perspective
The people who support you (really) will be there when you succeed and when you fail, no one else cares if you can do a circuit in more or less time except them. The people who leave, who stop supporting you, don’t really matter..
Passion is a tool, not what you should do
Passion is something that is applied, it is not about any supernatural power that it will solve all your problems, is a feeling that is born from the convergence of interest, obsession and curiosity. Interests allow you to research and explore different places, give yourself time to filter those interests and feed those that seem promising, time will teach you many lessons without you having to do anything.
Don’t let your goals overwhelm you
Goals are a good motivational tool, we are amused and proud to reach a personal milestone, until they go from being aspirations to a liability. Without realizing it, those goals designed to push us forward can end up overwhelming us. You can’t control whether you’ll ever be able to run a mile in a self-imposed timebut if you can control if you improve as an athlete or person.
Don’t force, let everything flow
Both in everyday life and in sports, you will suffer ups and downs, some very depressing downturns, you will question whether it is worth continuing to make an effort or you will feel that nothing you have done makes sense. Don’t give up, but don’t force yourself either.
When you force things to happen, you get pressured, you feel anxious and you start to push your principles beyond the limit you set for yourself at the beginning, don’t let that happen. You can’t guide your way to success, but you can work to be in a more favorable position to achieve it.
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9 Lessons You Should Know If You’re Training Obsessively