“Winning isn’t getting ahead of others. It’s getting ahead of yourself.”—Roger Staubach
Perhaps one’s greatest opponent is one’s self. There is no challenger more motivated to defeat us than ourselves. Why is this so? Why are we so willing to destroy our own dreams?
There is a voice inside us that keeps telling us “you can’t”, “you’re not good enough”, “you are not worthy”, etc. We all have our own source for this voice. It may be stronger at some times than others. Why do we listen to this voice?
I teach in my Physiology of Exercise course that “movement begins and ends with the brain”. All action begins and ends with the brain. Therefore, all inaction begins and ends with the brain, as well. Whatever we do or don’t do begins with the motivation to take action…or not. One simple choice—to act or not act.
Motivation is nothing more than making a decision. The slightest effort toward movement is enough to overcome the psychological inertia. Then, it is just a matter of continuing. Momentum takes hold, and we keep moving toward success. Now, it is up to the brain to keep us going forward. Now, the brain must continually ask: “do I keep going or do I quit?”
There is a saying that “I don’t have to outrun the bear. I just have to outrun the other guy.” Roger Staubach was spot on when he said it is “getting ahead of yourself.” Let the bear get the negative voices. Outrun your negative self and never quit.
There is no greater victory than in defeating your adversarial self. It is only against this opponent that it is sportsmanlike to kick ‘em when they’re down. Conquer defeatism and don’t let him get up. Don’t allow it a rematch. Set your goals. Determine that you will be successful and don’t quit until you are.
Surround yourself with allies who will support you. Let no one who is negative be near you. Gird yourself with confidence and a strong will. Determine that you can, and you will.
Carpe momento!
“Man has no greater enemy than himself.”—Petrarch