In weightlifting, when I step onto the platform to lift a weight I’ve never lifted before, I cannot rely on the amount of reps I’ve put in at that weight. I can only rely on my confidence. This comes with the thousands of decisions I’ve made in training to complete a rep or set, regardless of how tired or beat up I am, regardless of whether or not I think I’m going to make or miss the lift. Once I’m on the platform, it’s just one more time I have to make the decision to lift the weight, regardless of the outcome. I make the decision to lift, without allowing doubt to influence that decision. I am going to lift the weight, and that’s all there is to it.
What does this mean for you? It means to get in the habit of making decisions. Decide to get out of bed for the 6am class, decide to finish all your reps with integrity, decide to challenge yourself on a daily basis. If you are in the habit of making the decision, you won’t NEED to listen to the doubt. “I’m too tired,” “I’m in a hurry,” and “I might fail,” become unnecessary excuses, because nothing is going to change the fact that you’ve decided what you’re going to do. Once you are in the habit of making these good decisions in the gym, when you are faced with a true challenge or test, you won’t allow yourself to question your options or ability.
This doesn’t mean that you will always be successful, especially in your crossfit or weightlifting training. Your body may not always be ready for the load or amount of reps; however, on competition day, when your body is ready to perform, your mind will already be in the right place.
Making sound decisions is a symptom of confidence. Stop waiting for someone else to make your decisions for you, because when you’re faced with something legitimately challenging, no one will be there with you. You’ll be on that platform alone, staring at a weight, and regardless of the people cheering you on and encouraging you, they can’t lift the weight for you. Practice making decisions, and the confidence will come. When the time comes in your life to make bigger decisions- a new job, a new relationship, a new business- the leap won’t seem as large.