Mindset Of An Athlete

If you have a body, you are an athlete. ~ Bill Bowerman, Nike co-founder

I sometimes wonder WHY do I really bother with this.

Why do I keep physically pushing myself past all limits? Continually striving to be the best I can be, giving full hundred to my training, never missing a meal etc. At the end of the day, I am not considered a professional athlete, and this is not what directly pays the bills.

Mute The Voice Of Your Inner Critic

We all have those days when our inner critic just seems to be determined to sabotage our efforts, and make us accept less than we deserve. Muting the voices of self-doubt gremlins can be quite a feat, and we must be vigilant against these thoughts while striving towards success.

The stories we tell ourselves largely affect our outlook on life. The way you see yourself will determine how you feel, and how you feel will impact what you DO.

After all, the doing part is what brings results. It is what gets us from A to B. We can read all the books in the world, we can create an amazing plan and talk about strategies all day, but we have to set the wheels in motion through taking action.

Athlete? Really??

You may not realise this about me, but I used to hate exercise. I was always the last pick for any sports team in school, I couldn’t do a single push-up, and my body type was what you may call skinny fat when I was a kid.

Back then if you asked my classmates whether I had the potential to be successful in the fitness industry, helping people achieve their goals, winning trophies, and being a sponsored athlete, they would think you’re crazy. Athlete? What athlete? Are you kidding me??

Even though I am still not great in any team sports, I have found my passion in fitness modelling. It can be very gratifying having the ability to build a physique that I have envisioned, whether it is mine or that of my clients’. I guess that’s where my artistic side comes in, hence, I’ve been dubbed The Sculptor.

A physique athlete must have the same amount of self-discipline and determination to achieve his or her goal, and sometimes it can be even more challenging when battling against genetic disadvantages. We come in all shapes and sizes, and some people will respond to exercise much better than others.

Keys To A Strong Mindset

The mindset of an athlete is instilled through three very important D’s – Drive, Discipline and Determination. It’s also fuelled by a burning desire to succeed, and backed up by a great deal of resilience. And this is something that will help us in any area of life. The strength of character that we build through athletic endeavours can create a ripple effect and help us achieve higher heights in anything that we set our mind to.

Right now I have set my mind to the WBFF fitness model competition that’s taking place in London O2 on 1^st of June. I know that it’s going to be an amazing show, as I took part in their first show in the UK back in November, and it certainly was a very special experience. I’m sure you would find it exciting and inspirational, and I would love to see you there :)

If you’d like to come down, please visit this link for tickets.

Train hard, eat well, and be safe,

Ru “The Sculptor” Wikmann