I recently had a chance to review individual and comparison photos from the 2012 NPC Nationals held in Atlanta. The show had an astounding 900 competitors across the various divisions and by the time all was said and done, 62 individuals became IFBB pros. When looking specifically at Men’s Physique, approximately 7 percent or 12 of the 177 entrants reached professional status.
As I clicked through the photos, I began to wonder what separated the winners from the “professional” winners. I mean let’s face it, anyone that’s on that stage is a winner, but rules dictate that only a handful can turn pro in a given year. In looking at the photos, you could point out physical differences between this guy and that guy but it’s almost like preferring a Ferrari over a Lamborghini. At the end of the day both cars are amazing. So what is it that separates one competitor from another?
Do the winners have a je ne sais qui that makes them stand out from their peers? Is it swagger or do they simply have a winner’s mindset? At this point you might be asking yourself “what is a winner’s mindset?”
A Winner’s Mindset
A winner’s mindset can be characterized in a few different ways:
· A positive mental attitude
· An ability to create and adhere to S.M.A.R.T. goals
· A strong belief in one’s talents
· An ability to remain focused on the long-term but execute in the present
· A overwhelming desire to win, and/or;
· An ability to execute and deliver at show time
As outlined above, a winner’s mindset is characterized in fairly concrete terms; however, the manifestation of this mental state can be more nebulous and abstract.
How many times have you heard it suggested that someone just has “IT” or has an “x-factor?” I certainly don’t think anyone is born with x-factor gene, however, I would suggest that these people simply have a winner’s mindset. The good news is that this is something that anyone can have with a little practice.
A winner’s mindset is just like a muscle in that it has to be exercised on a regular and consistent basis. And just like a muscle, it will become stronger with time. If you’re ready to get started developing your own mindset then ask yourself a few questions.
· What is your current goal or objective?
· Do you have a detailed, written plan complete with milestones and a deadline?
· How deeply to you believe that you can accomplish this goal?
· What will happen if you fail to achieve you goal?
· How will you overcome obstacles (i.e., injuries) and other setbacks?
· What happens after you achieve your goal?
If you can answer the questions above then you’re certainly headed in the right direction of developing a winner’s mindset. And, as you set off on your journey, here are a couple of quotes to keep in mind:
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” ~Oprah Winfrey
“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
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