The Power of Mindset: How Changing My Inner Dialogue Helped Me Conquer a 5K
Ooof, was the negative self-talk real. Especially during my training for the 5K—it was loud, it was constant, and at times, it felt unstoppable. I caught myself making all kinds of judgmental comments about my body, my running pace, and my overall ability to finish. “You’ll never make it,” I thought. “Why did you even think you could do this?” Sound familiar? We've all been there.
But, I’ve learned over the years that the first step in overcoming these thoughts is catching them. It’s a skill—one I’m still working on—but being aware of the negative chatter is key. I realized I needed a shift, a bit of tough love: Get a grip, Jessica. Focus.
The Mind-Body Connection: How Mindset Affects Our Performance
So, I did what I had to do—I consciously chose to change my mindset. I had to. If I was going to succeed, I needed to focus on my "why". Why was I doing this in the first place? What was the deeper reason I signed up for this challenge? What was my motivation?
I started to remind myself that I was doing this to prove to myself that I could. I wasn’t just training for a race—I was training my mind to believe in my ability and to push past self-doubt. I took a moment to acknowledge how far I had come. From my breathing to my speed, and even how my body felt after a workout—I realized the progress I had made since day one.
And here’s the fascinating thing about the mind: once I changed my mental dialogue, my physical state changed too. Suddenly, my body didn’t feel as uncomfortable. I had more energy. It was as if my mind had unlocked a new level of motivation, and with that, my body followed suit.
The Finish Line: Achieving More Than I Thought Possible
Now, let’s talk about the big moment—the 5K race itself. Going in, I had set a goal for myself: complete it in 45 minutes. But do you know what happened? I finished in 35 minutes! 🙌
It wasn’t just about beating my time, though. It was about the realization that when I shift my mindset, I can push beyond what I thought was possible. This was proof that your mind has an incredible impact on how your body performs.
Today's Challenge: Flip the Script on Negative Thoughts
We all face negative thoughts. Whether you're training for something physical, dealing with work challenges, or navigating life in general, self-doubt can creep in.
Here’s today’s challenge for you:
Take note of when you hear your negative thoughts. They’re going to come, but the power is in how you respond to them.
Ask yourself, “How can I flip this thought?” Instead of "I can't," try "I can, and I will keep going." Notice the difference?
Imagine if this thought came from a stranger on the street. How would you respond? Would you let them speak to you like that? Of course not. So, why let those thoughts control how you feel about yourself?
Let’s practice treating ourselves with the same kindness and respect we’d offer a friend. Flip the script on negative self-talk and start believing in your ability to conquer your goals.
