Negative Result:
The unavoidable part of any athlete’s career is defeat.
But don't be discouraged! It's with defeats that the biggest gains are made if you apply the right mindset. Just how positive results can positively or negatively affect your performance, the same goes for negative results.
When you inevitably go through a negative result, it's important to analyse what went wrong and what lead to that negative result.
Once the weakness has been identified, tweak your training program in order to strengthen your weakness. In doing so, you address the problem, feel more confidant and you'll reduce the chances of repeating the same negative experience.
It's also important to find the silver lining in every negative result, this helps harness a more positive and successful mindset.
The best mindset to adopt when it comes to a negative result (in my opinion) is that it should fuel your determination and will to succeed next time.
After carefully analysing your weaknesses, success is more likely to occur.
Worst case scenario is that you have a chain of negative results and you are unable to identify the cause of the series of the chain.
Understandably a chain of negative results can lead to self-doubt and insecurity. In some cases, it can be that you are asking too much of yourself, too soon.
You need to understand that any athletic career or athletic endeavour is a lengthy process. There are no short cuts. Be patient.
The best way to move forward may be to take some time off, take a step back and disconnect from your sport for a few days, weeks, months. However long it takes to 're-calibrate' your mindset.
Another way may be to try new diets or training programs. This could be the cause of your chain of negative results.
Obviously, negative results are not just down to how your perform on the day.
There are external factors that may influence you. Such as an argument with a loved one, having a bad night sleep or receiving bad news, all before an important race. In these scenarios you have to compartmentalise your negative thoughts and experiences and put all your energy into executing your race. There will be a time and a place to address the external factors. Try and make sure that they don't interfere with your race/event.