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19 June 2015SPORT MAGAZINE: Greg reveals how to prepare for challenges
The vision of success
As children we constantly challenged ourselves to prove that we could achieve something that we, or others, thought was impossible. Sadly, this drive to challenge is often lost as we get older and either lack belief in ourselves or from those around us. In order to push the boundaries of our capabilities, we must be audacious in setting a challenging goal. This first step is often the most difficult to take, but don’t be afraid to enter the challenge.
The road to success
Having entered the challenge, your journey along the road to success requires careful and meticulous planning, focusing on four key areas: body, mind, technical (equipment, etc) and environmental (work, family, etc). Understanding what is required in each of these areas and optimising your performance in every aspect of the challenge will ultimately lead to success.
Goal-setting
Establishing short and medium-term goals, leading to your major challenge, will guide your preparation and allow you to monitor your progress. For example, dissecting the physical requirements of your challenge into individual components (i.e. strength, endurance and flexibility) will enable you to target your preparation of each one and monitor how well you are adapting to your programme.
The brain of success
In addition to preparing your body, achieving short and medium-term goals will develop your ‘brain of success’, which is built around three key building blocks: belief, commitment and motivation – all of which are intimately linked.
The rise or fall of one element will have a direct impact on the other two. If, by reaching your short-term goals, belief in your ability to deliver success rises, you will be more motivated and committed to the challenge. This variation in belief, commitment and motivation throughout a challenge is natural, and should be expected. The key to delivering success is to maintain the three elements throughout your challenge.
Work on weaknesses
Remember, it’s not just about working on your strengths; the greatest gains in performance come from improving your weaknesses (although, sadly, it’s not as much fun as doing what you are already good at...).
Don’t go it alone
Taking on a major challenge should not be a solo affair. We all require the support of a team to optimise our performance. Whether it is appointing a personal trainer or a training buddy, seeking advice from others who have taken on the challenge before, searching the web for advice, or simply ensuring the support of your family, friends and colleagues, a good team will optimise your preparation and help you to enjoy the process.
Nothing good comes easy
Planning and preparation are the cornerstones of a successful performance. Don’t leave the outcome of your challenge to chance: success is not a chance event and it cannot exist without hard work!
Greg Whyte is supporting Stand Up To Cancer’s London 3 Peaks on October 11 to raise money for cancer research. If you are ready for a challenge and want to take part, go to www.standuptocancer.org.uk/L3P. Read more from Greg Whyte in Achieve the Impossible, available now achievetheimpossible.co.uk
Source: http://www.sport-magazine.co.uk/features/step#3EXHPPIVVfXdrZVf.99