Are You Willing to Go the Extra Mile?

Every now and again we want to post past newsletter articles on this blog to
give you an idea of what kind of articles are in the newsletter and have
more content on the blog site for you. Below is an article that was posted
on our MENTALCOACH newsletter years ago. We have been sending out newsletters each month
since July of 2003 so as we post new material and testimonials on our blog
we will also feature a past article from time to time - come back often!

Are You Willing to Go the Extra Mile?

We have all heard this phrase. What is this extra mile they are talking about? I think it is when you are willing and able to do the things that the non-winners are not willing and able to do. Like doing the things that we know that work that are actually boring when we do them. For example; it’s fun to shoot a rifle for an hour or so. But if you do it 5 hours a day for 5 days a week it gets old. Have you ever heard of dry firing? That’s when you get into position with your rifle or pistol and aim at a black bulls-eye on the wall of a room and activate the trigger on an empty chamber. Wow! Do that for an hour or so and you learn a new definition of boring. So why do we do it? We do it because it gets us points and because most of our competition will not do it. That gives us an edge.

Another example is keeping a performance journal. Remembering to record your data in a positive way after every performance is not something most performers do. It takes discipline and effort. Most performers are just too lazy to do it. But, every time you are willing to write in your journal you are going the extra mile and you have an edge on your competition.

Also, I have noticed that your chances of winning improve in direct proportion with your tendency to avoid the habit of cutting corners on your sport. It is the opposite of going the extra mile. It becomes a test of your character. Is it like you to finish what you start? We live in a fast paced, "get it now" society where working for what you want is often replaced by expecting something for nothing. Winning isn’t quick and it isn’t easy. You don’t win by cutting your training short to go have fun with your friends. Most of the really worthwhile effort in preparing for competition is boring and raises a sweat so get used to it if you want to be at the top of your game.

Every sport has its boring but essential moments. It’s the extra mile you walk when no one is looking that really pays off in the competition.