by Dr JoAnn Dahlkoetter Want to know how you can create Your Performing Edge and reach your goals faster, easier, and get the results you want? Here are my top tips to help you build new motivation, confidence and major breakthroughs in your training and in your life.

Photo: JoAnn do a training running with Bob, Rich and Bill on Moodly road in Los Altos Hills, California recently. 

1. POSITIVE IMAGES: Use your mental images throughout your event or workout to create feelings of speed and power. (e.g., If you’re walking or running and you come to an unexpected hill visualize a magnet pulling you effortlessly to the top). Use visualization before, during and after your training to build confidence and new motivation.

2. POWER WORDS: Make positive self-statements continually.  Be aware of your negative thoughts early on. Don’t fight with them; simply acknowledge their presence, and then substitute positive power words. (e.g., When you’re thinking: “This hurts too much, I want to lie down and die”; say to yourself: “This feeling is connected with getting healthier and doing my absolute best”).

3. PRESENT FOCUS: Practice being in the present moment. Be Right On – Right Here – Right Now. Remind yourself to stay in the here and now. Let past and future events fade into the background. Remember, the only moment we can do anything about is the one we’re in right now.

Good quote! "Remember, the only moment we can do anything about is the one we’re in right now."
Shari Mernett 4/7/12 6:59 am

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4. ADVANTAGE: Use everything in the workout to your advantage. For example, if another person passes you, tuck in behind and go with his or her energy for as long as possible. You may catch a “second wind” and be carried on to a personal record.

Photo: Bob Anderson can use all the help he can get.  JoAnn sharing some helpful information while Mike covers it for "A Long Run." 

5. CHUNKING-GOALS: Focus on your immediate target. Break your training goals down into small, manageable pieces and begin to focus only on the first portion, not the entire workout (e.g., Say to yourself: “I’m just relaxing and getting my rhythm during the first mile, or the first workout session”).

Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, is CEO of Performing Edge Coaching International Association,  PerformingEdgeCoach.com a global resource and Certification Training Program for coaches, and creator of  DrJoAnn.com  the premiere sports psychology resource for athletes, coaches and sports parents. Dr. JoAnn is best-selling author of YOUR PERFORMING EDGE, sports psychologist to OLYMPIC Gold Medalists, winner of the San Francisco Marathon and 2nd in the World Championship Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. She is Host of the internationally syndicated TV Show – “Your Performing Edge."  Dr. JoAnn provides sports psychology, mental training and Performing Edge Coach Certification programs for coaches, parents and athletes to reach their highest potential. Call 650-654-5500 to apply for your FREE peak performance consultation.