Happy Hump Day, Dear Readers.
When I began this process of working towards my first fight, my kru told me that it would make me a stronger person in every aspect of my life.
I realize what he means, now more so than ever. So much of a fighter’s success is in his head. And I don’t believe that’s restricted to fighters. To put it simply, whatever you think–you are.
Whenever I had a sparring session, I would tell people that I was about to get my butt kicked. I was joking, but I eventually realized that saying something like that, even in jest, sets me up to fail. Instead of concentrating on what I wanted to do, and the areas I wanted to improve in, I was planning to get my butt kicked–before the round had even begun. That had to change.
When it comes to fight camp–which will be, without a doubt, one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, both physically and mentally, I have a choice. I can let fear rule me, or I can go in confident, knowing there’s nothing that will be thrown at me that I can’t survive. There have been some intimidation tactics used–I’ve been told that the other women in the camp are more experienced than I am, and that I’m going to get my butt kicked. I could believe that, and go in expecting to be dominated. Or, I can think about all the times I faced someone stronger, better, faster…and came out just fine. After working with Olivia, Wayne, and even the 6’4″, 220 pound guy who used to spar with me in boxing, how bad can this be?
If you’re not in a martial art, you may think this lesson has no value for you, but it really does. The next time you’re feeling intimidated, ask yourself why. Chances are, it’s all in your head. And if it’s in your head, you can change it, and come at the same situation from a position of strength.
Have you ever noticed how negative thoughts can effect you in a big way? How did you change them?
In the meantime, I’m sparring again tonight. I did six rounds with our best fighter last night, and I’m sore and tired. Of course, I fully expect to kick ass. 🙂
I sometimes think there is a lot of hokum in the positive thinking industry. Nevertheless it makes no sense to decide you’re going to lose before you’ve even started.
You say “I did six rounds with our best fighter last night, and I’m sore and tired”. That certainly doesn’t indicate lack of confidence to me What that indicates to me is real determination to succeed and to ignore the hard knocks you have to take to get there.
As you said so rightly on another post “Don’t drop your hands, and don’t say “ouch!” when someone kicks you. This is part of building heart.”
Ah, but that was part of my new, positive attitude. 🙂 The point of the post was indicating that I’d learned not to shoot myself down or accept defeat before I’ve even tried. Unfortunately, I am still a work in progress.
Thanks so much for your insight and comments, Boxing Scientist. I’m very glad you’re here!