Visualization. Faith Imaging.
When Sara PRETENDS to workout with these women, who are literally the best in the world, she doesn't pretend she gets beat. Instead, she focuses on how the best in the world do in the WOD, and Sara tries to outperform them. She sees in her mind that she is as good if not better than them. In fact, I would argue and venture to guess, since I cannot peak into Sara's mind, that she PRETENDS she is better than the best in the world. Because at the time of this interview, which was in the middle of the 2015 Crossfit Games, she was sitting in 1st place and was ahead by over 40 points.
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I must keep my thoughts captive. I must be deliberate in my thoughts, in my attitude, and the way I think about myself. Otherwise, they become like runaway trains, turning into something that could very well be destructive and derail my progress.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit."
Staying motivated has to become a habit. It has to turn into my default. But for our minds to be iron clad and indefensible against negative destructive thoughts, it must first be intentional and work, where I am always checking my emotions, ensuring they are where they need to be. And when a negative thought enters my mind, or a negative emotion, or a negative self image, I must GRAB it and TAKE HOLD of it. I must CONTROL it, so that it does not gain power over me.
It is a constant defense. For the battle is in our minds. And if I am in a real physical battle, surrounded by the enemy, what happens if I put my guard down? IM DEAD. I'm stabbed in the back. My throat is slit, and my fighting days are over.
Do I want my fight for the 2017 Crossfit Open to be over with? NO. Abolutely not. Even after a couple weeks of this walk I am on, I would be broken hearted and very disappointed in myself. I would feel like a failure. And I would be a failure if I just quit.
So instead, I keep my defenses up. The defenses of my mind. The defenses of my emotions. The defenses of my spirit.
James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Clearly this verse in context is about everlasting life. But there is also a principle here that is valid to this discussion. The more I overcome mental battles, the stronger my mind also becomes. And the longer that I remain steady in my thinking, steady in my approach, steady in my self image of who I am, then it will turn into concrete. I am that person.
I have been watching the behind the scenes to the Crossfit Games from last year. This is Part 3, and I'm fairly certain they will publish a Part 4. If I watch these videos and idolize these athletes, seeing them as untouchable, watching what they do as extraordinary, and FEELING THE EMOTION in my mind that I am nothing like them and I will never be like them, then watching these videos are DAMAGING to my mind.
As I watch these videos, and if those self defeating thoughts enter my mind, and I feel the discouraging emotion try to take hold, I must take those thoughts captive. I must pause the video, close my eyes, and allow my spirit to be in touch with the Holy Spirit, so that I may see in faith who I really am and who I am becoming. Then watch the video from a different lense. Not from idolization, but as my competitors. And, as Sara Sigmundsdotter did, PRETEND I am among them. See how I look with my shirt off. Notice the sweat as I push. Watch me go tirelessly with the barbell without breaking up the set. VISUALIZE in FAITH.
I will be there. I will get there. I am that person now.....in faith. And I will continue to walk this thing out....each day.....getting stronger.....getting faster.....more disciplined.....eating perfectly......
THIS IS ME.
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