After a setback do you collapse like a contender or rise like a champion?

“The contender yearns to lighten the load, while the changing wants the ability to take on more…Contenders feel threatened by playing against stiff competition or trying new fitness challenges. They are worried about falling behind or receiving negative criticism from others and are intimidated by prospect physical discomfort…They either complain about everything or deny having any issues (“I’m good!”) and distract themselves to escape their problems…CHAMPIONS thrive on embracing challenges because these challenges push them and make them feel alive, improve their competitiveness as athletes, and allow themselves to mature as individuals. In fact, champions see everything as a trial and tests and improves them…For a champion, there is nothing more magnificent or memorable than making a major comeback. The bigger the setback, the more opportunities to learn and the more glory and satisfaction to be gain upon a successful comeback.” (The Champion’s Comeback pg. 8-9)

Did you know that being a champion in life and sport can be developed? No one is a champion in everything but everyone will have setbacks and need to learn to how to manage them effectively in life and sport. That’s why I highly recommend Dr. Jim Afremow‘s latest book The Champion’s Comeback to get your mind right in how to handle adversities in sport and life. This book offers a comprehensive introduction to key mental skills  as well as practical tips and tools to apply to your mental skills arsenal.

As a sport psychologist and athlete myself I have had to develop the tools and resilience to make myself a better athlete and person. In the past there were areas in life and sport that I recognized I was allowing myself to be a contender when I really wanted to be a champion.  It was not easy but through my own process of growth and comebacks from life and sport I’ve learn to “walk the talk” when it comes to learning and applying the RIGHT mental skills.  That’s why it is an honor to be featured in Dr. Afremow’s latest book! Check out my interview on pages 134-136 but here is a sneak peak below.