“Everyone is an athlete. The only difference is, some of us are in training and some are not.” George Sheehan
These two simple sentences from Sheehan – a runner, physician, and author who died in 1993 – have the potential to positively change your mindset.
First, they make you think about why you don’t consider yourself an athlete.
I’m not sure why I don’t consider myself an athlete, even though I get plenty of exercise. I guess the word ‘athlete’ just sounds like someone who’s more dedicated, more in shape, or more something than me. Perhaps it’s time to change this attitude.
Second, these two sentences open the door for everyone to claim their status as an athlete. Athlete is not just a title reserved for professionals.
Athlete (noun): a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina. Merriam-Webster
The dictionary doesn’t define how much training or skill you have to have. It also doesn’t mention a big fat contract.
I work out regularly and so do most of my friends. Sure, we take a day off. Or two or three. Okay, sometimes a whole week. But so do the professionals. The difference is that they call them ‘recovery’ days or days of ‘active rest’ in their training regimen. And we say we’re ‘slacking off’ on working out.
Think about how your attitude might change if you considered yourself an ATHLETE and not just someone who works out.
If you call yourself an athlete, you might:
- Be more intentional in your workouts AND your days of rest by adopting the mindset of an athlete in training.
- Use nutrition as a tool for improved performance and well being.
- Feel more confident.
Say, “I am an athlete”. You don’t need to go around saying it out loud. That would be weird. Just use that powerful brain of yours. Say it to yourself. Think of yourself as an ATHLETE. See what happens.
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