“A goal is a specifically desired end state expressed in the positive tense which provides motivation and direction on the pathway to achievement” (Amundson, 2015).
According to Greg Amundson goals need to be specific, measurable, delivered in a positive sense, it must include a timeframe, and it must include significant amounts of motivation, inspiration and direction. The spring challenge was a great example of this therefore resulting in most of us achieving our goals. Nutrition, physical skills, and body composition were our areas of focus and within these areas we could specifically outline our goals. If we did not succeed in one area we achieved in another, helping to maintain positive motivation, inspiration, and direction. The team environment also helped provide support and recognition when due, and again to motivate, inspire, and continue the direction of our goals.
There was much discussion recently over the mega back squat session 1-10-2-20-3-30. This style of workout not only presented as a physical challenge but also as a mental challenge. For many members the thought of dealing with max weights and high reps was rather overwhelming. However, CrossFit is a high intense regime of fitness and therefore has a high demand on not only physical but mental strength and we need to be prepared for this. Greg Amundson suggests weakness in the brain and heart will cause an athlete just as much trouble as a physical weakness. Goal setting can help us to become mentally stronger. Our long-term goals can be broken down into months, weeks, days, sessions, and even sets and reps.
The mega squat day is a great example of how we can develop our mental strength in thinking positively and learning how to fight through those longer rep ranges. This can begin with the development of awareness towards what we say to ourselves and others. The power of our words can help to create anything that we want. Our words become real and we can learn to connect mind and body and body and mind. The body can be put into a position of power that the mind can be compelled to follow and vice versa. Have you ever seen Dan Biggars perform his bizarre kicking ritual before he kicks? Or an Olympic lifter puffs their chest before entering the platform? Or Coach Lisa stamp her feet before a heavy dead lift or squat? These are all cues to set the mind body connection, and therefore generate the position of power.
To achieve a physical goal we need to practice, this also applies to our mental positive state of mind. So next time you are faced with a heavy lift or a high rep range in a WOD try positive self talk with a positive physical stance and embrace the positive power.
With the New Year’s resolutions fast approaching think about adding mental and physical goals to your 2016 planning. It could be as simple as completing the first round of Fran unbroken or having a more positive approach to that 1-10-2-20-3-30 squat session. Also think about how you can apply the strengths you develop of the mind, body and spirit experienced through CrossFit to everyday stresses outside the box.
Coach Anna
