Compete with yourself...

A random thought from today's experiences....

Whether you stay motivated depends to a large extent on how you think about your success and failure. Psychologist call this goal orientation. Some people have a competitive orientation; they determine success or failure with reference to other people. Look at so and so's arms, or abs etc.... Others have an achievement or mastery orientation; they judge success with reference to themselves. They focus on personal mastery and their own improvement. The evidence is strong that people who concentrate on self-improvement find it easier to stick to their training and generally reach their goals.

I've seen this difference in the gym and on the stage time and time again (I used to collect specimens for drug testing for the NPC - one of many "peculiar" jobs I've had over the years). Sorry got of track.... most body building contest that I've worked, there were at least five competitors who thought they should have won. They go away feeling like losers because the judges didn't agree. Obviously the body builders have a competitive goal orientation. I can understand their disappointment, but I wish they could see their performance in a more positive light. Only one person can take the trophy home, but many more go away winners. In my view, the real winner, the person who benefits from the contest - any contest - is the person who knows he or she did better than ever before, and take joy in the prospect of making further improvement towards their goals.

I know its hard, but try not to let your motivation to be affected by things beyond your control. Focus on your own progress and your own journey.

Til next time....