“Yeah, I thought it and I achieved it…“

‘Doing’ is very distinct from ‘trying.’ It’s so distinct, that the mindset you decide to approach an undertaking with, that you’re going to do or you’re going to try (to do), can make all the difference in the outcome of that undertaking.

My approach when it comes to competitions AND training is to be a ‘doer’ as opposed to a ‘trier’. If coach has a killer workout penciled in for the day, I never get to the track thinking that I’m going to try and get through or survive the workout, but rather that I’m going to manhandle it; period. That goes for every workout, regardless of what’s on tap or what day it is. If I’m at a meet and I’ve outlined a goal for myself beforehand then my mindset is that it’s already a done deal. In many respects getting on the runway just becomes protocol mostly because I’ve already accomplished the goal and rehearsed my jumps so many times in my mind that the execution takes care of itself.

It would be incredible if my attempt to be a ‘doer’ always resulted in the achievement of my goals an aspirations (whether in triple jumping or otherwise) but as you might imagine, this unfortunately isn’t the case. I’m certain that it isn’t the case for anybody, regardless of how solid they are at mental preparation or how accomplished they may be overall. Still, the only way to get a running start down the road towards your dreams, whether Olympic gold or absolutely anything else, is to do, not to try.

Ralph Marston had a superb post on his own blog/website last Thursday, The Daily Motivator, so call me lazy for piggybacking on it but I couldn’t have written a better post on the topic if I tried so I’ll share it here. Of course, these aren’t my words –

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The way to achieve is not to try. The way to achieve is to do.

The difference between trying and doing is all in your perspective. That difference makes all the difference in the world.

When you see yourself as trying, you are burdening yourself with the expectation of failure. Instead, put all your energy and focus into doing your very best, and into expecting the best results.

Merely trying is itself an excuse, and it gives you permission to make all sorts of other excuses. Doing, on the other hand, gets results.

If you’re going to make the effort, then make it count. Let go of any thoughts that you’re just trying, and embrace the most positive expectations.

You are absolutely capable of making a real and valuable difference. So forget about trying, and with well-deserved confidence, go ahead and get it done.

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On that note, I like how my New York Giants got it done last night especially considering that, to a man, the entire team went into the game to claim victory and nothing less. Super Bowl here we come!