Let me tell you something you already know...

If you have not watched the latest version of Rocky, get it on Netflix for no other reason then the mini life lesson that Rock gives to his kid. Below is the YouTube version of it but it lacks the build up the rest of the movie provides.

As I write this, it is the eve of my departure to Europe and I am looking for motivation. It's not nerves anymore, but the self doubt that creeps into most of our minds from time and again. Last week I had a slip while doing a vertical jump to test my readiness for the World Masters Games. Talk about a soul crushing moment. Something that I have done thousands of times in life and just over 9 days out of competition and BOOM! Fireworks in my quad as I jumped. Doubt and the self pity came in spades. The more I fought it the more the doubts came back.

At 2pm August 10th regardless of any injury, jet lag, hang nail, or any of the other euphemisms you want to throw in there, it comes down to one thing: It's time to put up or shut up. Me versus me. And that's just the way I like it, too. There is nothing that a team mate can do or what the ref's can do that will effect the way I compete with myself. No matter what the outcome is, I will shake the hand of every competitor, wish them well, and fight like hell to represent myself to the best of my ability.

It's taken a long time to learn how to get myself mentally right. This skill is still a work in progress and as my wife will tell you there are still moments when Mt St Carmen erupts and spews language that would make a sailor turn tail and run. It's not been an easy trip to control your own mind, and there are defiantly some people who have helped along the way. My wife is number one on the list without a doubt, but I have a secret too. Here it is and don't tell anyone: go find a sports psychologist and talk with them.

Yes, a sports psychologist. It's not like you are going to lay on a couch and talk about your feelings, or any that soft hippe crap. I have never once been locked in a straight jacket and make a trip to the Ha-Ha Hilton. But I needed to learn how to get my head right. Why? Because your muscles control how you move, and your nervous system controls your muscles, and your mind controls your nervous system. Without the mind working right, you simply don't work right. Contrary to popular belief: running miles, working out in the early morning light, the extreme heat and cold, or without food or water does not build mental toughness, it makes your workout suck. During those activities the self-talk that you perform is a one of many strategies for mental toughness though. But in all my talks with "Doc W,"  it was about learning how to keep athletes in that sweet spot during peak performance. Self talk, mental imagery, breathing control, and measuring physical and emotional preparedness are all tricks of the trade. Sometimes one of those tools is needed more than others, some times it is a blended mix. After much self experimentation the combination that works best for me is the duality of rage and serenity. Too much of either one of those powerful emotions and I under-perform being too wound up or not excited enough.

By the way, there are other sources you can use other than a shrink. Friends and family can be powerful and provide some help, but keep in mind that they sometimes can subvert your goals. Find some people that want success as much as you do. It has been great working with athletes and seeing what they bring to the table and help push you through your sticking points. I'll wrap this up with a video clip from one of the guys I train with, showed me.