Psychology of winning: attitude plays a far greater role than many of us realise
Yesterday was a great day for British swimming, when 13 year old Erraid Davies won a bronze medal in the 100 m SB9 breaststroke in Glasgow. Listening to some of her interviews reminds us all of the power of a determined and positive attitude. I don’t know if Erraid fixed her mind on winning per se, but I’m quite sure she never considered doing less than her level best, starting from the moment she made up her mind to swim competitively.
She didn’t have access to a fancy and expensive venue where she could practice. In fact, the (small) pool where she trained was so far away from where she lives that she could only work out after school and in the evenings. But this clearly didn’t faze her, nor did the modest surroundings dent her determination to try ever harder.
The determination and clarity of this young girl makes me think of a quote from Goethe:
…’the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.
All sort of things occur to help one that would not otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it!
Boldness has genius, magic and power in it.
Begin it now!’
What’s your dream? How about taking that first step towards achieving it–right now?!
Posted: July 29th, 2014 under General.