The State of Stuckness!

For many years athletes have done all they can to improve their performance, from specialised training programs to nutrition and drugs. Nowadays the focus has changed. Whilst nutrition and training are critical, they now know that their mental state is key and no matter how strong their ability, if they're in the wrong state they won't get the results they're striving for.

What state were you in when you got up today? Are you having one of those fantastic days when you feel like you can conquer the world, where no challenge is too great and no-one get you down? Or are you having one of those days when you can't seem to get anything done, everyone's aggravating you, and the fact that there were no empty seats on the bus was enough to bring on emotional trauma?

In both scenarios, which lets face it most of us have experienced at one time or another, you were the same person with the same abilities. The only difference was your state and how you let your state affect your outlook and behaviour.

Check in with your state right now - are you:

• Emotionally - frustrated, irritable, dissatisfied?
• Physically - stressed, exhausted, tense?
• Mentally - unfocused, worried, distracted?

Would you like to be:

• Emotionally - excited, happy, content?
• Physically - relaxed, energetic, energised?
• Mentally - focused, confident, motivated?

The trick here is to become more aware of your state, as awareness proceeds action. When you notice that your state isn't quite what you'd like it to be, that's when you can choose to change it!

"If you don't consciously choose your state, one will be subconsciously chosen for you. So wake up!" - Chris Barez-Brown

There are endless ways to change your state and they don't have to be complex - as long as you feel a positive shift in the direction you want, then it worked! So try some of these today and get into a good state right now:

• Listen to your favourite music
• Move - get up, go for a walk, change seats, make a coffee
• Physical exertion - do some sit-ups, ride your bike, go for a run
• Talk & laugh with a friend
• Reframe - look at the situation from a positive perspective
• Take a deep breath, meditate, or read a book

By enhancing your state, you enhance your quality of life.