A PR begins in your mind, which means your mind could be the thing that gets in your way of your next PR.
So how do you get out of your head and set yourself (and your mind) up for a successful lift? Here are a few tips on how to get your mind right for a PR:
1. Train First
Yes, this one is very obvious. But there’s a difference between training for your next PR and showing up for a workout and just going through the motions. PRs don’t just come out of nowhere; they come from focused training. Each training session creates both physical and mental confidence in hitting your next PR. You want to approach your next PR attempt knowing that you’ve put in the work even to make an attempt in the first place.
2. Warm-Up Properly
A warm-up won’t just physically prepare your body for a PR lift; it’s also your time to warm-up your mind. Even if your body is physically ready, it doesn’t mean that your mind is prepared, too. Think about some of the workouts that you’ve begun feeling like your brain is fogged-in or cloudy. A warm-up can help you wake up and clear your mind. If you’re not sure what a proper warm-up looks like, ask your coach for some help.
3. Approach with Intention
When you’re warmed-up and ready to attempt your PR, approach the lift with intention. Instead of walking up to the bar and saying to yourself, “Well, let’s see what happens,” be very clear with yourself what your intention is. Put everything else that tends to roll around in your mind aside and focus on your lift. Pay attention to your mind and your body and direct 100% of your attention to setting a new PR.
4. Be Open to Failing
When you’re going for a new PR, there is a chance that you will be successful. But there is also always a chance that you will fail. If you tell yourself that failure is not an option, then this thought could create some anxiety around your attempt. Instead, stay open to failure. Recognize that failing on a lift is part of getting stronger. You won’t PR every single one of your attempts (and if you are, you may not be pushing yourself hard enough).
5. Let Go of Past Attempts
When you fail on a PR attempt, recognize that lift as part of the training process and then let it go. If you fixate on your past failures, then those previous attempts will be all you can think about during a future attempt. Failing in the past doesn’t mean that you will always fail in the future. Learn from your past attempts and then move on.
To learn more about how to get started with Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston, contact us today.
