Positive Thoughts = Positive Outcome

Success in life starts with belief that you can achieve it. Mental preparation for athletic performance is as important to training as your daily workout regimen. It need not be complicated, but simply the regular practice of positive mental thought and affirming that you can do it. Below are ten positive affirmations that I have found to be helpful from sport psychologist, JoAnn Dahlkeotter. Incidently, Dr. Dahlkoetter finished 2nd at Ironman Hawaii in 1982.

Positive Affirmations for Athletic Confidence

1. I strive to be positive and enthusiastic no matter what.
2. I feel a sense of power, confidence and inner strength
3. I thoroughly enjoy myself as I train and race.
4. I am a smooth efficient, swimmer, cyclist, runner..I am improving rapidly.
5. The results will take care of themselves. I simply perform.
6. My body and mind are growing stronger and healthier every day.
7. Mistakes simply represent feedback and are a necessary part of
learning anything well.
8. I focus on doing the very best I can at every moment.
9. I am willing to do whatever it takes to meet my goal.
10. I believe in myself; I radiate an inner confidence.

Source: Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter – Peak Running Performance - 1998 - Vol. 7 / NO. 5

Wisdom from a bear

Goals and the hard work to reach those goals brings results. However, sometimes we can get in our own way and try too hard. Trying too hard and forcing the process can be just as ineffectual as not trying at all. Focusing on the process and enjoying what that journey brings is one way to redirect energy.

Whether it's a professional work pursuit, family, friendship or personal aspiration, that has you tangled up, remind yourself of this passage.


The Tao of Pooh has an simple, but eloquent way of illustrating this idea.

To know the Way,
We go the Way;
We do the Way
The way we do
The Things we do.
It's all there in front of you,
But if you try too hard to see it.
You'll only become Confused.

I am me,
And you can see;
But when you do
The things that you can do,
You will find the Way,
And the Way will follow you.

From the book The Tao of Pooh - Benjamin Hoff - 1982,