There are 3 kinds of strength, Physical Strength, Technical Strength, and mental Strength, and if any one of these are lacking, it will be the downfall of the individual.
It can be quite a misconception amongst many sports (especially those like martial arts, that technique is the key, that if you have flawless technique, then you’ll be more efficient in your chosen sport.
The fact is that technique is no more or less important than physical or mental strength.
A lot of people don’t like the idea of this concept as it might infer that someone with no technique can beat someone with technique, if there is a component missing.
An example is, back in my days as a competitive boxer, I was not the most naturally gifted or talented boxer, but what I lacked in technique, I more than made up in mental strength. I was determined and stubborn and wouldn’t let things stop me. I trained 100% every session. I spent hours perfecting different techniques to the best of MY ability. I incorporated other training styles to support my boxing. I created myself challenges that were not boxing related to keep the fire in my belly burning bright, like swimming across Lake Taupo (4.2km), cycling around Lake Taupo (160km), triathlons etc.
All of these things lead me to believe in myself regardless of my abilities. They lead me to go into the ring with A ‘I can attitude’ and the ability to keep going even when my lungs were screaming for air and my muscles burning!
Mental strength is what turned me into a great boxer, not my natural ability.
So it is paramount that you ensure that your training also develops mental strength and your physical condition, in addition to perfecting your technique.
The key is to ensure that your training has enough intensity to grow all 3 areas of your strength.
Aim to train to exhaustion. This will create physical strength. Not giving up, when you think that you can’t do any more, giving it one more rep, jump, and sprint, will increase your mental strength. The more you do this, the stronger your body AND mind will become.
Also think of challenges that you can create for yourself outside of your training and sports, which will push you outside of your comfort zone, causing you to step up and be the best version of yourself.
What kind of person are you?
Are you motivated and driven, or do you give up when the going gets tough?
What can you do to empower yourself…………………..
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