Let’s be real – positivity is sometimes a difficult mindset to achieve. Whether you’re new to the gymnastics world or a seasoned gymnast, negative thoughts and mindsets can creep in at any stage in the game. We decided to put together a quick list of 5 tips to help you stay positive as a gymnast.
1. Recognize that set backs are part of the journey
We’ve all heard that sometimes we go two steps forward only to go one step back, right? This is also a rule to live by in gymnastics. There are times that we will make some skills easily, executing them perfectly with no issues. Then, all of a sudden, out of the blue, we either hit a mental block or something happens and we have an off day that kind of makes our confidence falter. It’s important to remember that this is really all part of the journey. You will make progress, you will regress or hit a bump in the road…but it’s all part of the journey. It’s all part of the learning process. It happens to everyone, so just go with the flow. Realize that it’s going to happen and just learn to dance with the ups and downs.
2. Focus on how far you’ve come
It’s all too easy to look at higher level gymnasts and wish you were at their level. It’s also easy to just feel like you’re not making progress, especially if you’re either having a difficult time learning a skill. Maybe your teammates are picking up a skill quicker than you are and you’re getting discouraged. When this happens, take a minute to write down a list of skills you are able to do. I bet the list is a LOT longer than you initially realized when you were maybe focusing on the future and not on how far you’ve come!
3. Turn your negative self talk into positive self talk
Negative self talk – that little nagging voice that tells you that you aren’t good enough, not talented enough, etc. Don’t listen to it! Well…you can listen to it so that you can turn what that little voice is saying into a positive statement. For example, “I will never get my yurchenko!” into, “I haven’t mastered my yurchenko yet, but my timers are getting better!”.
4. Set small goals that you can achieve
All too often we look at big picture goals. Don’t get us wrong – big picture goals are wonderful and we all need them. It’s just as important though, to set small, achievable goals. This not only builds up your confidence, but if you’re achieving little goals, you are most certainly making progress towards your big picture goal.
5. Ignore other peoples negative opinions of you
Negative Nancy is always going to have her opinion, but the great thing is that it doesn’t matter what she thinks. What’s important is how you view yourself. Sure, you’re only human and sometimes how others view us will bug you, but ultimately Negative Nancy’s opinion does not determine who you are. As long as you’re staying true to YOU, that’s all that matters. It’s important to know what your values are and to honor them; the rest will fall into place. Keep being the wonderful you that we know you are!
