Masters athletes, individuals who continue to compete in sports well into their adulthood, often face unique challenges as they strive to maintain peak physical performance while dealing with the demands of daily life. To excel in their chosen sport, especially such a complex and taxing sport like CrossFit, Masters athletes must not only focus on physical training but also develop a strong mindset. The saying, you cannot teach an old dog new tricks doesn’t hold true when you are talking about masters athletes. They are some of the most adaptable athletes out there, however, the mindset and mental approach to training and competing can be a new landscape if they haven’t come from a background of sport. So, below are a few ways masters athletes can work on cultivating a strong mindset.

• Embrace the Growth Mindset

The first step in developing a strong mindset as a masters athlete is to adopt a growth mindset. This concept, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, suggests that individuals who believe they can develop their abilities through dedication and hard work are more likely to succeed. Embrace the idea that improvement is always possible, regardless of age, and that your abilities are not fixed.

To apply this mindset, set specific, achievable goals for your sport, and view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Understand that progress may be slower than when you were younger, but it is still very much attainable.

• Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is crucial for masters athletes. While it's essential to dream big, it's equally important to set goals that are attainable within the constraints of your age and physical condition. Your goals should be specific for you and tailored to your circumstance and abilities.

Break down your long-term goals into smaller, short-term objectives. Achieving these smaller milestones will not only boost your confidence but also keep you motivated as you work toward your larger goals.

• Prioritize Mental Health

Masters athletes often have busy lives, juggling careers, family responsibilities, and other commitments. It's easy to overlook the importance of mental health in sports performance. However, a strong mindset starts with a healthy mental state.

Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to reduce anxiety and improve focus.  Understanding your stressors will help you maintain a better system and focus around the various priorities you have in your life.

• Develop Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and setbacks. Masters athletes will inevitably face challenges, whether it's injuries, losses, or periods of stagnation in their performance. Developing resilience is crucial in maintaining a strong mindset.

To build resilience, learn to accept set backs as part of the journey. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward. Surround yourself with a support network of friends, coaches, and fellow athletes who can provide encouragement and perspective during tough times.

• Stay Adaptable

As you age, your body may not respond to training in the same way it used to. Be adaptable in your approach to training and competition. Listen to your body, and don't push it beyond its limits.

With Masters athletes methods may need to shift from block to block in order to drive the right stimulus and for the adherence of fatigue management.  Be able and willing to adapt training and methods to best suit your ability to continually recover and progress.

• Maintain a Positive Self-Talk

The most contagious thing in the world is not a positive action, but a negative thought.  It is key to maintain a positive mindset and allow yourself grace through your actions.  As we age our abilities change, we are not who we were one year ago or more importantly five to ten years ago.  Being able to maintain a positive mindset through this journey will enable you the ability to continue to grow and adapt with the changing times.   This positive mindset will also come into play around how you speak to yourself before, during and post workouts/training.  You have to be aware of your language around your workouts and what is said between the ears.  Remember, no one speaks to you more than you do… so what message will this be?

You can never be too old to work on a strong mindset.  The keys to developing one though come through consistent, intentional work, just like with anything else.  The first step is to outline how you will approach the above topics in a manner that suit you to drive a strong mindset.

If you have any questions or want to learn how we work with athletes with our Individual Design coaching, email help@conquerathlete.com.  Or, check out our website www.conquerathlete.com and set up a free discovery call.

-Coach Jason Leydon