As the new season gains momentum and athletes settle back into their routines, it’s crucial to pause and consider how to make the most of this time—especially during the darker, colder months when motivation can waver. It’s easy to fall into the trap of just going through the motions, focusing solely on ticking off workouts without much thought. But there’s an opportunity here that can set the stage for meaningful progress and a strong finish when the peak season arrives.
More Than Just the Motions
Yes, this time of year often comes with high-volume training blocks and long sessions that can feel repetitive. The goal, after all, is to build strength and endurance that will pay dividends later. But focusing only on getting it done—pushing through and counting your sessions as mere boxes to be ticked—misses a vital component of growth. During a conversation with a fellow coach, an essential point arose: physical gains are important, but so is the mindset you bring to each session.
Checking In With Your Approach
One simplest yet often overlooked strategy is checking in with your approach before, during, and after training sessions. The reality is that not every day will feel amazing. If you’re a student-athlete or even a professional, expecting to turn up every day feeling energised and ready to conquer the world is unrealistic. And that’s OK. What matters more is understanding how you show up. What is your mindset as you begin your session? Are you bringing intentionality or just pushing through with frustration or fatigue?
Recognising your mental state doesn’t mean you must overanalyse or make every session your best. It’s about being aware and understanding what you’re bringing to the table. Even if subtle, this awareness can change how you engage with your training and what you ultimately take from it.
The Power of Intentional Process
The concept of being “process-oriented” is often thrown around without much practical guidance. What does it mean to sharpen your process? It’s not just about setting lofty goals or obsessing over details; it’s about being deliberate with your focus. What aspect of your form, pacing, or strategy can you pay closer attention to today? What small tweak can you make to enhance the quality of your effort?
Checking your intent and process before and after a session adds more depth to your training. It turns a regular workout into a learning experience. You’re not just logging miles; you’re gaining insights, improving mental resilience, and sharpening the habits that contribute to success.
Small Steps, Big Impact
The real value comes from consistency in these practices. Checking in with yourself and being deliberate with your process might seem like small adjustments, but over time, these efforts compound. What starts as a simple shift in mindset can build into a season-long habit that helps you stay present, engaged, and steadily progressing. This approach might not make every session feel easy, but it will change what you get back in return for the time and effort you invest.
Preparation Determines Performance
Finally, remember that standout performances aren’t made on the day of the event alone. They are the sum of countless hours of preparation and the mindset you carry through each session. Focusing on these small yet impactful practices during the darker months lays the groundwork for stronger, more confident performances when the season peaks.
Embrace the opportunity to add these intentional practices to your training now, and you’ll find that when it counts most, your preparation will be the cornerstone of your success.
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