The gap in physical ability and skill level between the first and last place athletes is relatively small. So why did one win and the other lose?
What separates the top one percent of elite athletes from the rest is a champion mindset. It’s the key to high performance, success and winning. Realizing how much is at stake, athletes who consistently grab first place develop their champion mindset with sports psychology. By training their minds, they leave nothing to chance.
Athletes are comfortable with strength, speed and endurance training. Sports psychology is like a mental gym, improving focus and building confidence. High performance requires physical training combined with mental strategies. Opt out of either one, and you put yourself at a disadvantage. Athletes seeking high performance and winning records do whatever is necessary to reach their highest potential.

Mindset of Champion Athletes

1. Motivation
A burning desire to excel means you won’t settle for good enough. You always strive to be the best you can possibly be.
2. Initiative
Don’t wait for permission to do something. Learn to take the initiative. Top athletes are leaders in all they do. Set a high standard for excellence.
3. No Excuses
When athletes are fully committed, they do whatever is necessary. Instead of viewing obstacles as problems, approach them as challenges to be overcome. Always stay focused on your big goals.
4. Determination
Seek solutions to each challenge before you. Reaching your goal means discovering the opportunities available now. Failure shouldn’t exist in your vocabulary.
5. Strength-Based Approach
Learn to use your strengths to your advantage. But don’t neglect your weaknesses either.
6. Extra mile
A strong commitment drives elite athletes to go the extra mile. Consistently strive for excellence, even when no one else is looking.
7. Tough Minded
The only way to excel is to consistently stretch yourself. Tough-minded athletes don’t let anything hinder them. Sports psychology teaches you how to take risks and push through your comfort zone.

The Opportunities

A success mindset is more natural for some than for others. Fortunately, it is not a birthright. Just as new skill techniques improve your physical abilities, sports psychology techniques can help you build a champion mindset. But you have to practice them.
Be on the hunt for opportunities. They’re all around you. Focus on solutions, not problems. This simple shift in outlook changes your approach to challenges. Once you begin looking for solutions, you’ll discover more opportunities, and all excuses will melt away. Developing a champion mindset using sport psychology strategies sets you up for success on and off the field.

Your Challenge

Identify specific goals, and take the time to learn what you need to reach them. Always be open to learning more. Winning is not just about physical abilities. It’s about implementing mental strategies used by the best athletes. Work on one new mental skill at a time. Although it’s tempting to do everything at once, the secret to success is steady effort, not an all-out approach.
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