I have been training in volleyball almost every day of my life for the past four years. Although there are days where I feel pumped up and ready to take on the day, on most days I feel fatigued and not wanting to move a muscle.
The question is, how do you fight those demons and push through to get the most out of your training session? Here are some tips that I use.
1. TRICK YOUR MIND
During the tiring parts of training (say fitness sessions or tough drills), it’s easy to give in and not go all out. But if you never push through the toughest and most challenging moments, how are you ever going to know your limits?
One thing I like to tell myself is, “Yes, I’m dying now, but it is for a better tomorrow. I’m going to be so much stronger than I was before this drill.”
I love this one quote that says, “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.”
2. QUESTION YOURSELF
After a drill, ask yourself “Did I really try my best?” “Could I have done better?” “Could I have lasted for one more rep or one more second?”
Only you will know the answers to these questions, and I think that these are great guidelines to help you stay on track.
3. PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR IDOL’S SHOES
Another trick that I like to use is by putting myself in my idol’s shoes.
Sometimes when I’m feeling a little lazy, I would ask myself “Would so-and-so do this during their training?” “What kind of effort did it take them to get to where they are now?”
This works because it guilts you from slacking off, and in reminding yourself that your idols too had to go through a lot of hard work to reach the top, you’ll be more motivated and find hidden bursts of energy to continue grinding.
4. NOT EVERYDAY IS SUNDAY
Look, not every day is going to be your day. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
I used to get really stressed up and upset if I did not do well during a practice session.
However, I slowly began to understand that it is completely normal because as humans, we have our ups and downs, it is just a matter of how you overcome it and whether you choose to let it affect you.
I was once told, “How you perform in training ≠ How you perform in competition.”
Despite it being so incredibly simple, it blew my mind and was so liberating.
And when you actually take a moment to let that sink in, you realize how ridiculously true it is!
But take note, that does not mean that you put in less effort during training. It simply means that you shouldn’t use a bad practice session to JUDGE your skillset because ultimately, it’s game time that matters.
Being a beast during training is futile if you don't bring the same energy on game day, but that’s gonna be a topic in future ?.
Anddd remember, there are only two options- make progress or make excuses. So choose wisely! - The Vibes, April 21, 2021
