We’ve all been there – moments in our training when our mind feels like the biggest obstacle standing between us and our goals. The physical challenge is tough, sure, but it's that inner voice that sometimes makes us second-guess ourselves. In those moments, we often turn to mantras or affirmations to keep us going. But here's the thing: not all mantras are created equal.
Let's start with a simple example. If you tell yourself, “Don’t give up,” chances are, your subconscious will focus on the "give up" part of the phrase. Your mind isn’t really processing the “don’t.” Instead, it grabs onto the negative concept you're trying to avoid, which can actually make it harder to stay motivated. It’s a little like telling yourself, “Don’t think of a red apple.” What happens? You think of a red apple. Your brain doesn’t process “don’t” like you might think.
Now, let’s flip the script. If you tell yourself, “Keep going,” your subconscious picks up on that positive action – it focuses on going, moving forward, staying engaged. It’s a powerful shift because you’re now feeding your brain with a clear, focused intention, one that helps you push through tough moments. The result? You’re more likely to stay on track, mentally and physically.
So, what’s the deeper lesson here? The language we use with ourselves matters. Not just for motivation, but for how we create mental clarity and strength in the face of challenges. Mantras like “don’t give up” may seem helpful in theory, but they actually reinforce the struggle, pulling your focus toward what you’re trying to avoid. A positive affirmation, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to move in the direction you actually want to go.
Some may argue that negatives like "don’t give up" can serve as a wake-up call – a reminder of what’s at stake. That’s a valid perspective, but for many of us, focusing on what we don’t want can easily end up distracting us from the bigger picture: the positive, empowering actions we can take. The truth is, we’re more likely to succeed when we focus on solutions, not problems.
This doesn’t mean we should ignore the reality of our challenges. Everyone faces moments of doubt and struggle. But how we talk to ourselves during those times can make a huge difference in how we respond. Crafting your affirmations and mantras with positive, clear language puts the power back in your hands. It’s about moving forward, staying motivated, and building the kind of mindset that helps you overcome any obstacle.
This kind of approach to mindset isn’t just for athletes – it’s for anyone who’s working toward something meaningful. Whether it’s a fitness goal, a big project, or a personal challenge, the way you talk to yourself matters. Negative affirmations like “don’t give up” may seem like they’re pushing you forward, but it’s the positive, action-oriented ones – like “keep going” – that will truly propel you toward success.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into creating the right mindset for achieving your goals, I’d love to help. Together, we can craft personalized strategies, using the power of language to build resilience and move past mental barriers. Your goals are within reach – sometimes, it just takes a little shift in how you speak to yourself to make all the difference.