Mental Training for CrossFit: Focusing on Improvement

Do you want constant improvement? If so, you need to make every workout matter!

You make up your own mind, and control what you focus on. By focusing on things that matter, you increase the chance you have of experiencing improvement, and as a result, development as an athlete. But to do so, you need to be fully aware of what you are focusing on, and the steps you take to make change.

What is most important when we talk about constant development is to look back, reflect and analyze. Every time you complete a workout or finish a competition with a specific focus in mind, you need to look back. And not just in your thoughts or on the way in and out of the gym. You need to prioritize the time it takes to reflect on your focus. This is the only way you will be able to acknowledge your improvement. By doing this as a part of your routine after every workout, or every competition, you set the frames for constant development.

Just as you warm up before every workout physically, you  also need to warm up mentally by choosing a specific focus. After the workout follow up by answering these three questions:

What went well?

This is the time to celebrate, to feel successful. Even the tiniest thing matters here! Write down your success – share it with someone – talk about it, if you like. Acknowledge yourself. First step is always to feel that you are going somewhere.

What do I need to work on?

Be specific. Go through every single step of the way, and figure out what you need to work on to improve, for you to be even better. What part of the workout? Warm-up? Technique? Emotional control? Game-plan? Inner dialogue? What could be improved?

This is for you to know your next step. If you want constant development, you need new goals, and a new focus.

What is my next focus?

Based on the answers to the prior question, you need to choose your next focus-point, and apply it to your next workout.

This is how it goes. This is what you can do to make every workout matter!

When every workout matters, you will increase you improvements, and as a result, become a better CrossFitter.

Happy WOD’ing!