For champions, inspiration typically comes from within. They instinctively stand up and jump into the starting gate or game when given the opportunity to test themselves. They somehow find the strength and energy deep inside to pursue their goals when it would be a lot easier to skip out. And when faced with struggles or setbacks, instead of backing down, they focus on finding the opportunities hidden within. Luckily, this is a learned skill. Any athlete can practice and learn how to dig deep.
The first step for anyone is making a commitment to your goals. By signing on to a program like Dig Deep 2020, or any athletic program, you are making a commitment to dive in 100%, and to work hard every day towards your goals. By making that commitment, you are deciding, before you do that very first Burpee, that you will do the work no matter what the weather, the situation or how long it will take. By making that commitment, you have done the toughest part. Now you just have to get outside and do the work every day, as best you can.
I remember the Summer I was 16 years old and had just come home from my first US Ski Team Camp. I had skied well enough to be named to the Development Team and although I was feeling pretty good about myself, I also knew I had a long way to go physically. I had trained next to teammates who were bigger, stronger, tougher and faster. But instead of being intimidated, I took that feeling and made a specific goal to gain a ton of muscle (and therefore weight) before I skied again in the Fall. I not only thought about that goal, but committed to it internally by writing it down and keeping it in plain sight in my room. I also committed outwardly by telling my parents, friends and coaches – thereby making me accountable. This commitment came in handy many times during that summer when I didn’t feel like working out for some reason or another. But every time I thought about my goals and commitment, it was so much easier to get myself out the door and push my limits.
By Fall I had accomplished my goal and that extra strength and power (and those extra pounds) propelled me into my first World Cup the following March. From then on, I knew I had the strength of commitment to push through any tough or challenging time.
There will be tough workouts and tough days this Summer. Trust that your commitment will get you to work hard and because of that, you will be stronger and more confident by the end of every day. You will experience that awesome feeling you get after completing something extraordinary and hard. Every day you will drop into bed exhausted because you pushed your limit and you will know in your heart that you are one step closer to your goals.
Make the decision to dig deep this Summer and become tougher, stronger, fitter, faster, and more confident!
