As a coach and as an athlete there’s a question that gets asked, “how can I get better now?” This type of question is good, and often asked by the avid and eager practitioner who seeks improvement. The question shows initiative and motivation of a mindful athlete in reflection. Here are three reminders to keep in mind when you stumble into asking the question from above.
Regardless of the how practice went, I remind myself, “I got better today.” Regardless of it being a hard or easy practice, regardless of losing every round or winning every round, regardless of learning new technique or reviewing old technique, “I got better today.” Sure there is an importance in the content of practice, but showing up to train is much more important. I got better today because I went to practice instead of staying home to play video games. That’s an important reminder. A good way to reinforce this idea is to go into practice with a concrete and specific mission. “I’m going to improve my back takes.” I’m going to focus on xyz.” The more specific the better as long as it goes in line with what the coach has planned with class. This reinforces the idea that showing up to practice made you better.
Remembering that showing up and going to practice makes you better is just as important as a reminder on what not to do. From technical corrections to diet choices, it’s helpful to point out what not to do. As information stacks up and you become more familiar with general concepts, having a “master of the art” identify corrections to improve actions and habits is very helpful. This can also be done solo by taking a look at your habits. For example, spending hours browsing on social media or having a set time to look through posts (time management), buying coffee or making coffee (financial management), or staying out late to party or going out but sticking to a decent bed time (sleep management). If you want to improve or get better at any of these things you need to keep in mind what not to do.
Reminders about things to avoid and showing up to train helps but these are essentially a reinforcement to trust and follow the process. The process might be training twice a week or training twice a day. It’s unique and different for everyone. The process involves the athlete following directions set by intentional coaching. The process includes technical systems and concepts as well as guidelines and suggestions that establish the culture of a gym. Trusting the process, means there is an attentiveness to learn and follow the written and unwritten rules that exist in the training space. Realizing that getting better today is a cumulative result of a process helps us see the value in our daily routine and habits. If you don’t know or understand the process, ask you coach or mentor. They will guide you.
How did I get better today? Should therefore be followed up with a few more questions: Am I trusting the process and following through with my training schedule? What should I do? What should I not do? Asking and answering these questions will help you in pursuing you getting better today.