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Mental Toughness: Thrive Under Pressure
Monday:
Strength:
12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift
Conditioning:
8 min AMRAP
2 Car Park Run
10 Deadlift
15 Burpee over bar
rest 2 mins x3
Tuesday:
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5
10 Barbell Box Step Ups
Every 2 mins x 6
A: 6 DB Bench Press
B: 12 DB Crush Curls
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Cal Ass Bike
Prisoner Lunges
Barbell Thruster
Wednesday:
Strength:
EMOM 12
M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)
M3 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Row
12 Dumbbell Snatch
rest 2 mins
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Ski
12 Pull-ups/C2B
rest 2 mins x2
Thursday:
Strength:
12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
4 reps @ 70%
Every 90 seconds x 3
12 Barbell Calf Raises
Conditioning:
For time
50 DU
Park run
20 TTB
60 Wall Balls
20 TTB
Park Run
50 DU
Friday:
Strength:
Emom 3
1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)
EMOM 3
1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)
EMOM 3
1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk
EMOM 3
1 power clean + 1 push jerk
Conditioning:
In Pairs, 5 rounds for time
40 Cal Assault Bike
6 Rope Climbs
10 Clean and Jerk
4 wall walks
Saturday:
Saturday Session with Coach Jerome
Sunday Sweat:
20-minute window:
15-1 Cal Ski
1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing
20-minute window
15-1 Cal Row
1-15 Push Ups
Sunday Strength:
Every 3 minutes x 5
3 Low Box Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
6/6 deficit Dumbbell Reverse Lunges
Every 90 sec x 5
5 Stationary Dips
EMOM 6
Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows
Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat
GYMNASTICS
This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.
Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals. We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts. This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.
MOBILITY
In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.
As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.
Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Fartlek
Today we are running:
Main Session:
1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Intervals
If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min
Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep
Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)
Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.
Monday:
Strength:
12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift
Conditioning:
8 min AMRAP
2 Car Park Run
10 Deadlift
15 Burpee over bar
rest 2 mins x3
Tuesday:
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5
10 Barbell Box Step Ups
Every 2 mins x 6
A: 6 DB Bench Press
B: 12 DB Crush Curls
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Cal Ass Bike
Prisoner Lunges
Barbell Thruster
Wednesday:
Strength:
EMOM 12
M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)
M3 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Row
12 Dumbbell Snatch
rest 2 mins
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Ski
12 Pull-ups/C2B
rest 2 mins x2
Thursday:
Strength:
12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
4 reps @ 70%
Every 90 seconds x 3
12 Barbell Calf Raises
Conditioning:
For time
50 DU
Park run
20 TTB
60 Wall Balls
20 TTB
Park Run
50 DU
Friday:
Strength:
Emom 3
1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)
EMOM 3
1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)
EMOM 3
1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk
EMOM 3
1 power clean + 1 push jerk
Conditioning:
In Pairs, 5 rounds for time
40 Cal Assault Bike
6 Rope Climbs
10 Clean and Jerk
4 wall walks
Saturday:
Saturday Session with Coach Jerome
Sunday Sweat:
20-minute window:
15-1 Cal Ski
1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing
20-minute window
15-1 Cal Row
1-15 Push Ups
Sunday Strength:
Every 3 minutes x 5
3 Low Box Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
6/6 deficit Dumbbell Reverse Lunges
Every 90 sec x 5
5 Stationary Dips
EMOM 6
Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows
Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat
GYMNASTICS
This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.
Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals. We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts. This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.
MOBILITY
In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.
As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.
Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Fartlek
Today we are running:
Main Session:
1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Intervals
If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min
Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep
Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)
Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.
Monday:
Strength:
12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift
Conditioning:
8 min AMRAP
2 Car Park Run
10 Deadlift
15 Burpee over bar
rest 2 mins x3
Tuesday:
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5
10 Barbell Box Step Ups
Every 2 mins x 6
A: 6 DB Bench Press
B: 12 DB Crush Curls
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Cal Ass Bike
Prisoner Lunges
Barbell Thruster
Wednesday:
Strength:
EMOM 12
M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)
M3 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Row
12 Dumbbell Snatch
rest 2 mins
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Ski
12 Pull-ups/C2B
rest 2 mins x2
Thursday:
Strength:
12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
4 reps @ 70%
Every 90 seconds x 3
12 Barbell Calf Raises
Conditioning:
For time
50 DU
Park run
20 TTB
60 Wall Balls
20 TTB
Park Run
50 DU
Friday:
Strength:
Emom 3
1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)
EMOM 3
1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)
EMOM 3
1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk
EMOM 3
1 power clean + 1 push jerk
Conditioning:
In Pairs, 5 rounds for time
40 Cal Assault Bike
6 Rope Climbs
10 Clean and Jerk
4 wall walks
Saturday:
Saturday Session with Coach Jerome
Sunday Sweat:
20-minute window:
15-1 Cal Ski
1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing
20-minute window
15-1 Cal Row
1-15 Push Ups
Sunday Strength:
Every 3 minutes x 5
3 Low Box Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
6/6 deficit Dumbbell Reverse Lunges
Every 90 sec x 5
5 Stationary Dips
EMOM 6
Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows
Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat
GYMNASTICS
This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.
Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals. We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts. This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.
MOBILITY
In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.
As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.
Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Fartlek
Today we are running:
Main Session:
1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Intervals
If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min
Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep
Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)
Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.
Monday:
Strength:
12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift
Conditioning:
8 min AMRAP
2 Car Park Run
10 Deadlift
15 Burpee over bar
rest 2 mins x3
Tuesday:
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5
10 Barbell Box Step Ups
Every 2 mins x 6
A: 6 DB Bench Press
B: 12 DB Crush Curls
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Cal Ass Bike
Prisoner Lunges
Barbell Thruster
Wednesday:
Strength:
EMOM 12
M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)
M3 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)
M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Row
12 Dumbbell Snatch
rest 2 mins
5 min AMRAP
15/12 Cal Ski
12 Pull-ups/C2B
rest 2 mins x2
Thursday:
Strength:
12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
4 reps @ 70%
Every 90 seconds x 3
12 Barbell Calf Raises
Conditioning:
For time
50 DU
Park run
20 TTB
60 Wall Balls
20 TTB
Park Run
50 DU
Friday:
Strength:
Emom 3
1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)
EMOM 3
1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)
EMOM 3
1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk
EMOM 3
1 power clean + 1 push jerk
Conditioning:
In Pairs, 5 rounds for time
40 Cal Assault Bike
6 Rope Climbs
10 Clean and Jerk
4 wall walks
Saturday:
Saturday Session with Coach Jerome
Sunday Sweat:
20-minute window:
15-1 Cal Ski
1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing
20-minute window
15-1 Cal Row
1-15 Push Ups
Sunday Strength:
Every 3 minutes x 5
3 Low Box Back Squat
Every 2 minutes x 4
6/6 deficit Dumbbell Reverse Lunges
Every 90 sec x 5
5 Stationary Dips
EMOM 6
Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows
Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat
GYMNASTICS
This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.
Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals. We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts. This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.
MOBILITY
In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.
As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.
Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Fartlek
Today we are running:
Main Session:
1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Ladies Run Club
Session: LRC Intervals
If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min
Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep
Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)
Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.
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Picture yourself standing at the start line of a crucial race or walking into a high-stakes business meeting. Your heart is racing, the pressure is on—how do you respond? This is where mental toughness comes in, and it could be the difference between success and failure.
Mental toughness is more than just pushing through discomfort. It's the ability to stay composed, confident, and focused, enabling you to perform at your best in the face of adversity. Whether you're an athlete, a manager, or an entrepreneur, mental toughness plays a pivotal role in achieving your goals.
What Is Mental Toughness?
In their book Developing Mental Toughness, Doug Strycharczyk and Peter Clough break down mental toughness into four essential pillars:
- Challenge – Do you see challenges as opportunities or threats? Those who are mentally tough thrive on challenges, using them as steppingstones to growth.
- Confidence – Do you believe in your abilities? High levels of self-belief allow you to take risks and trust your judgment, even when under pressure.
- Commitment – Can you stick to tasks without getting distracted or losing focus? Mentally tough individuals follow through with what they start, even when it's difficult.
- Control – Do you believe you can control your own destiny, or do you feel like life happens to you? Mentally tough people believe they have the power to influence their circumstances.
Developing Mental Toughness: A Practical Guide
The good news is that even if you're not naturally 'mentally tough', the skills are able to be developed. Just like endurance or physical strength, mental toughness can be cultivated over time with consistent practice. Here are some ways you can start:
1. Improve Self-Awareness
Know your strengths and weaknesses. Start by creating a plan for difficult situations, whether in competition or at work.
Actionable Exercise: Take 10 minutes to write down the situations where you feel the most pressure. Then, next to each, list one or two strengths you can leverage to succeed in that scenario. For example:
- Pressure Situation: Starting a tough race
- Strength: Your ability to focus on pacing and ignore the distractions of those racing around you
2. Become Resilient
Develop a routine to bounce back from mistakes quickly. Resilience doesn't mean you won't face setbacks—it means you'll recover faster.
Actionable Exercise: Create a refocusing routine, such as taking three deep breaths, visualizing a past success, and repeating a positive affirmation. For instance: "I've done this before, I can do it again." Use this routine every time you feel the pressure building.
3. Increase Confidence
Fill your mind with past successes. Confidence is built through experience, so remind yourself of the tough moments you've overcome.
Actionable Exercise: Write down three instances where you successfully dealt with pressure. Keep this list visible, and refer to it when you need a confidence boost.
4. Master Tough Thinking
Your self-talk matters. Mentally tough individuals recognize negative thoughts and quickly reframe them to positive ones.
Actionable Exercise: The next time you notice a negative thought, write it down, then reframe it. Example:
- Negative Thought: "I always mess up during the final stretch of a race."
- Reframed Thought: "I've pushed through tough races and training before, and I can do it again."
5. Perform Under Pressure
Identify the skills (technical, physical, and mental) that help you show up at your best when the stakes are high.
Actionable Exercise: List three key skills you need to perform well under pressure. For example:
- Physical: Pacing correctly
- Technical: Breathing control
- Mental: Staying focused on the present and the 'now', not the outcome or the finish
Write these skills down and place them somewhere visible, like on your training equipment or your workspace.
Mental Toughness Is a Journey
Building mental toughness won't happen overnight. Just like developing your aerobic base or mastering a new skill, it's a process that requires time, effort, and consistency. The more you invest in it, the greater the rewards.
Your Turn: Take Action
Now it's your turn. What's the first pillar of mental toughness that you want to work on? Start small—whether it's improving yourself-awareness, boosting your confidence, or developing a routine to stay focused under pressure.
Remember, mental toughness is a skill that can be developed. With every small step, you're getting closer to performing at your best when it matters the most.
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work
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