Every athlete, at some point, has encountered that voice. You know the one. It speaks up right when the going gets tough, whispering, “You can’t do this. You’re not strong enough. Just stop.” It’s not just physical fatigue that you’re fighting; it’s an internal battle with a part of yourself that wants to give up. But is that voice really you? And more importantly, how do we silence it or, better yet, use it as fuel?
The Psychology Behind the Inner Voice
From a psychological perspective, this inner voice is often a manifestation of self-doubt and fear. It’s a defense mechanism—your brain’s way of protecting you from potential failure or discomfort. This is rooted in the fight or flight response. When we’re faced with challenges that push our limits, whether physical or mental, our brain can trigger that “flight” response, nudging us to step back, to retreat to safety. This isn’t always helpful when you’re trying to grow, improve, or achieve something great.
But here’s the key: while this voice may be loud, it’s not the real you. It’s not your truth. You, the athlete, the person who laces up those shoes and shows up, are more than the doubts in your mind. The question is: how can you harness that emotion and use it to drive yourself forward?
Discipline: The Power to Overcome the Doubt
This is where discipline comes in. Discipline isn’t just about showing up day after day—it’s about the conscious decision to keep going when everything in you says to stop. Self-discipline is what allows us to push beyond the mental barriers we create for ourselves. It’s the ability to keep going, not because you feel like it, but because you’ve committed to the process.
Jocko Willink, former Navy SEAL and author of Discipline Equals Freedom, captures this concept perfectly. In his book, he argues that true freedom—whether physical, mental, or emotional—comes through discipline. For athletes, this means setting routines, sticking to them, and training your mind to withstand those moments of doubt.
Willink writes: “Discipline is the root of all good qualities. But you have to absolutely embrace hard work. You have to embrace the grind.” This couldn’t be more true when it comes to confronting that inner voice. Every time you override the “I can’t” with “I will,” you’re not just building physical endurance; you’re strengthening your mental fortitude.
Harnessing Discipline in Athletic Pursuits
The best athletes in the world are not necessarily the ones with the greatest natural ability; they are the ones with the greatest discipline. It’s their ability to harness discipline—not just in training but in their mental game—that sets them apart.
When you hear that voice telling you to stop, use it as a trigger. Remind yourself of all the times you’ve heard it before, and yet, you kept going. Every mile you’ve run, every challenge you’ve faced, was a victory over that inner critic. Each step is a testament to your resilience.
Here are a few practical ways to build self-discipline in your athletic journey:
Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s a time goal for your next race or increasing your weekly mileage, having clear, measurable goals will give you something to work toward.
Create a Routine: Routine breeds discipline. By building daily habits around your training, rest, and nutrition, you eliminate the need to decide whether or not to train—it becomes automatic.
Embrace the Grind: As Willink suggests, embrace the hard work. Accept that discomfort is part of growth, and learn to thrive in it. Each moment of struggle is an opportunity to strengthen your mental muscles.
Visualize Success: When you feel that inner voice creeping in, visualize yourself pushing through. See yourself crossing the finish line, completing the workout, or achieving your goal. This positive reinforcement can help you push through moments of doubt.
Winning the Inner Battle
The inner voice that tells you “I can’t” will always be there, but it doesn’t have to define you. By embracing discipline, you can learn to quiet that voice, or better yet, turn it into motivation. Every step, every mile, every moment of struggle is an opportunity to build resilience and mental toughness.
As Jocko Willink says, “Discipline equals freedom.” The freedom to push beyond your limits, to achieve things you never thought possible, and to discover who you truly are as an athlete.
So, the next time you hear that inner voice telling you to stop, remember this: that voice is not you. You are the one who keeps going.
Comments