How To Deal With Self-Doubt As An Athlete (Ask a Cycling Coach 293)

TL;DR

Learn how to stop comparing yourself to others and embrace your own results, as well as strategies for getting back into cycling after a break and staying motivated.

Transcript

dear TrainerRoad team been a long time listener and a fan of the product and have a question maybe, particularly for Amber. I have primary primarily been cycling with men because not many women are cycling in my area and I'm also a woman. For me, this has meant a lot of internal and maybe also a bit of external comparison with guys, always feeling ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤳 Comparing oneself to others and engaging in negative self-talk is common among athletes.
• 🤔 Negative self-talk often stems from early experiences with harsh motivators and can become ingrained in our thinking patterns.
• 🤔 Removing judgment and using humor can help disrupt negative thought patterns and reduce self-deprecating talk.
• 🤲 Getting back into cycling after a break requires resetting expectations and embracing the journey of improvement.
• 🤳 Motivation should come from a positive, self-affirming mindset rather than constant comparison to one's previous performance.
• 🤳 Recognizing the impact of self-talk can help in understanding its nuances and using it effectively in personal growth.
• 🙊 Speaking to oneself in the second person can add a supportive element and increase the impact of self-talk.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I stop comparing myself to others and be happy with my own results?

The first step is to remove the layer of negativity associated with self-judgment. Understand that comparing oneself to others is common and not a personal flaw. Disrupt negative thought patterns by using humor and giving your inner critic a funny name.

Q: How do I get back into cycling after a long break and stay motivated?

Start by resetting your expectations and setting a new zero point for your progress. Embrace the journey of improvement and focus on the process rather than the end result. Commit to long-term growth and approach each workout with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Q: How can I change my negative self-talk?

Begin by becoming aware of when you engage in negative self-talk and avoid judging yourself for it. Understand that negative self-talk may have served a purpose in the past but is now hindering your progress. Disrupt the loop by using humor and giving your inner critic a funny name.

Q: Is it okay to have some self-criticism for improvement?

Yes, it is essential to acknowledge mistakes and areas for improvement. However, the key is to approach self-criticism constructively and without tearing oneself down. Learn from mistakes, make adjustments, and focus on positive takeaways rather than dwelling on shortcomings.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The listener expresses her struggles with comparing herself to male cyclists and feeling discouraged by negative self-talk.

• The trainer provides advice on stopping comparison and embracing personal results by removing judgments and using humor to disrupt negative thought patterns.

• Strategies for getting back into cycling after a break are discussed, including resetting expectations and committing to a continuous learning process.