Have you been watching the 2024 Paris Olympics and found yourself wondering how athletes seem to have it all together? They wake up at ungodly hours, crush their workouts, and still have time to smile for the camera. It’s like they’ve cracked the code to this whole “being human” thing. But, luckily for us – You don’t have to be a professional athlete to have an athlete mindset. In fact, you can train your brain to think like a top performer. So let’s get into ‘Athlete Mindset Training for Everyday People: 5 Ways to Win at Life!‘
Why Bother with an Athlete Mindset?
Let’s be real: Life is basically one big endurance event. Whether you’re juggling work and family, or trying to remember to water that plant you swore you wouldn’t kill this time (RIP Freddie, the Fiddle Leaf Fig), it takes stamina, discipline, and a little bit of grit to make it through.
Athletes have mastered the art of pushing through challenges, staying focused, and bouncing back from setbacks. And the best part? These skills can be applied to literally everything—whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to get through Monday.
Start small: Set a simple daily routine. Maybe it’s waking up at the same time every day or having a 5-minute morning stretch. Consistency is key.
Stick to it: Even on weekends. Yes, I know, it’s painful. But this helps build discipline and makes your routine a no-brainer.
Athletes thrive on routine and consistency, which are vital for achieving peak performance. These habits can be translated into everyday life to help individuals build discipline and achieve their goals more effectively. Establishing a consistent routine, even in small ways, can have significant benefits on mental and physical well-being (Carter & Graef, 2016).
Athletes don’t settle for average. They aim high, even if the goal seems a bit terrifying. The trick is to break it down into manageable steps.
Big scary goal: Maybe it’s running a 10k, starting your own business, or just making it to Friday without hitting the snooze button 17 times.
Break it down: Create mini-goals or milestones to get you there. Celebrate each win—no matter how small!
Kristen Faulkner: The Perfect Example of Resilience and Growth
If you’re looking for someone who embodies an athlete mindset, look no further than Kristen Faulkner. Faulkner’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the power of a growth mindset.
What’s particularly inspiring about Kristen is the bold decision she made at 29—a time when many people feel locked into their career paths. In 2017, Kristen was working a typical 9-to-5 job in venture capital, thriving in a world of finance far removed from the athletic arena. But deep down, she felt a yearning for something more, something that would push her limits and ignite her passion.
So, despite having no background in competitive cycling, Kristen made the HUGE choice to pursue the sport seriously, showing us all that it’s never too late to chase new dreams, and that no goal is too big.
Fast forward to 2024, and Kristen’s decision paid off in the most AMAZING way. After years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless growth mindset, Kristen competed in the 2024 Olympics and brought home the gold – something that hasn’t been done by an American in 40 YEARS.
Her success is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when you follow your passion, no matter how late you start.
3. Learn to Love the Process (Yes, Even the Boring Bits)
Training isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it’s just showing up and putting in the work, even when you don’t feel like it. The same goes for life.
Find your “why”: Remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place. Whether it’s for your health, your family, or your dream of becoming a homeowner (fingers crossed for 2025!)
Trust the process: Progress isn’t always obvious. Keep going, and the results will come.
Athletes don’t see failure as the end—far from it. They see it as feedback, an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come back stronger. This is where the magic of a growth mindset comes into play.
With a growth mindset, you understand that your abilities and intelligence aren’t set in stone. You believe that with effort, learning, and persistence, you can improve and grow. So, if you mess up (and it’s bound to happen, we’re human!), don’t throw in the towel. Instead, channel your inner athlete and turn failure into your greatest teacher.
Psychological resilience is a critical factor that allows athletes to thrive under pressure and bounce back from setbacks. This resilience can be cultivated through mental training, which helps in developing life skills such as adaptability and perseverance, crucial for both sports and personal life. (O’Brien et al., 2021).
Reflect and adapt: When things don’t go as planned, take a moment to reflect. What went wrong? What can you do differently next time? This is where growth happens. Every setback is a chance to learn something new about yourself and your approach. Use failures as stepping stones to success, not as evidence that you’re not good enough.
Embrace the journey: Remember, progress isn’t always linear. There will be ups and downs, but every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth. A growth mindset helps you see setbacks as part of the journey, not as roadblocks.
Keep moving forward: Setbacks happen. It’s how you handle them that matters. With a growth mindset, you’ll see challenges as opportunities to stretch yourself and grow. So, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep pushing forward. The only true failure is giving up.
Michael Jordan: Turning Failure into Fuel
If there’s one athlete who epitomises the concept of failing like a pro, it’s Michael Jordan. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Jordan’s path to success was paved with setbacks and failures.
Michael Jordan famously said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Jordan didn’t just rely on his natural talent; he embraced the grind, the countless hours of practice, and the commitment to continuous improvement. He understood that failure was part of the journey and that each missed shot or lost game was an opportunity to learn and grow.
Michael Jordan’s story teaches us that failure is not the enemy—it’s a crucial part of the process. So, the next time you face a challenge or experience a setback, think of Jordan. Reflect on what went wrong, adapt your approach, and keep pushing forward.
5. Build a Support Squad
No athlete does it alone. They have coaches, teammates, and cheerleaders who push them to be their best. You need the same.
Find your village: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, whether it’s a friend who motivates you to work out or a colleague who keeps you accountable at work.
Be each other’s cheerleader: Celebrate wins together, no matter how big or small. Positive vibes are contagious!
Bringing It All Together
Adopting an athlete mindset isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and being kind to yourself along the way. You don’t need a six-pack or a gold medal to be a champion in your own life.
So, whether you’re facing a challenging project at work, trying to stick to a new habit, or just need a little more mental toughness to get through the day—remember, you’ve got this. With a little training, you can develop the mindset of an athlete and start winning at life, one small victory at a time.
Now, go out there and crush it! (And reward yourself afterwards—athletes love a good cheat day too!)
Do you ever feel like self-confidence is something only a few lucky people are born with? It’s easy to look at confident people and think, “I could never be like that.” If so, I want to tell you a story about self-confidence!
Hi there! I’m Brooke, and a few years ago, I was in a place where self-confidence seemed like a distant dream. I struggled with my weight, and my self-esteem took a hit every time I looked in the mirror or tried on clothes that didn’t fit. At my heaviest, I weighed over 80 pounds more than I do today. During my journey, I realised that I was never going to wake up one day at the “perfect” weight and be happy, I had to start working on my self-confidence along the way.
In this post, I’m going to share how I learned to rewrite my narrative and discover a level of self-confidence I never thought possible. From the struggles and small victories to the habits and mindset shifts that made the difference, I hope my story will inspire you to start your journey towards self-confidence and a happier, healthier you.
The Beginning: Struggles with Self-Confidence
Before my weight loss journey began, my life was a constant battle with self-doubt and insecurity. I often felt like I was living in a body that didn’t truly belong to me. Every day was a reminder of the limitations my weight imposed, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Simple tasks like climbing stairs left me winded, and social situations filled me with anxiety. I avoided mirrors and photographs because I couldn’t bear to see the person staring back at me.
My struggles with self-confidence permeated every aspect of my life, from my job to my relationships. I often second-guessed myself, convinced that I wasn’t good enough or deserving of success and happiness. It was a painful, self-perpetuating cycle that seemed impossible to break.
But deep down, I knew I couldn’t continue living this way. Something had to change, and that realisation became the first step in my journey towards rewriting my narrative and reclaiming my self-confidence.
It’s funny how a single moment can change everything. For me, the turning point in my weight loss journey came when my asthma reached an all-time low. I was only 29, yet my asthma was so severe that I was placed in a high-risk category during the pandemic lockdown.
As the world shut down, I found myself grappling with the harsh reality of my situation. Being young and still having so much I wanted to achieve, it was terrifying to know that my weight and health issues were putting me at an even greater risk.
The constant wheezing, the struggle to breathe, and the dependency on medication highlighted how much my lifestyle was impacting my quality of life.
Something had to change, and it had to change now.
This realisation became my catalyst for change. Unlike previous attempts motivated only by appearance, this time it was about health and quality of life. Up until that point, I had always felt stuck, overwhelmed by the amount of weight I needed to lose and the lifestyle changes required.
But, something had clicked.
Instead of viewing my weight loss journey as an insurmountable mountain, I had to start seeing it as a series of small, manageable steps. I didn’t have to change everything overnight, but I had to start somewhere.
Small Steps
I began to focus on what I could do each day to make a positive difference. I set small, achievable goals that I could achieve each day and feel happy with.
Each small success built my confidence and reinforced my belief that I could do this. It wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about creating a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that I could maintain long-term.
This new mindset made all the difference. I stopped being my own worst critic and started being my biggest cheerleader. I celebrated every small victory and learned to be kind to myself on the days when things didn’t go as planned.
Deciding to make a change wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I ever made. It set me on a path to not only transform my body but also rebuild my self-confidence and reshape my entire life narrative.
The Journey: Building Self-Confidence Step by Step
Building self-confidence should be a key part of any weight loss journey. It’s important to work on your self-confidence throughout the process, rather than waiting for the end result.
Confidence isn’t something that magically appears after you hit your goal weight; it’s something you develop along the way, with every small step and victory.
Starting Out
When I first started my weight loss journey, I knew I had to make significant changes and I initially tried to go my usual route – all-or-nothing.
I started out with the Keto diet, and while I saw initial success, I realised it wouldn’t work long-term. I quickly realised that the keto approach, though effective in the short term, wasn’t a sustainable solution for me.
It just didn’t fit the lifestyle change I was looking for. The strict rules and constant macro monitoring felt like a burden. I craved a more balanced and flexible way to approach my health. You can read more about this here!
I knew if I wanted to maintain my weight loss and continue losing weight, it couldn’t be about crash diets or anything extreme anymore. It had to be about making changes that stuck around and became a natural part of my everyday life.
Small Wins
Celebrating victories, no matter how big or small along the way played a huge role in building my self-confidence. The first time I completed a 15-minute run was a massive milestone.
I remember the pride I felt when I was able to do my first push-up. These achievements were like fuel, igniting my motivation and boosting my confidence.
Tracking my progress was another powerful tool. I kept a journal where I recorded my goals, achievements, and how I felt. Seeing my progress on paper, no matter how small, helped me realise that I was capable of change.
Each new milestone and each new healthy habit adopted was a testament to my determination and growing confidence.
Challenges
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were days when my asthma flared up, making it hard to stay active. There were times when I felt discouraged by slow progress or when I slipped back into old habits like emotional eating.
But instead of letting these setbacks derail me, I learned to view them as part of the process.
Resilience and persistence became my mantras. Whenever I faced a challenge, I reminded myself of why I started. I leaned on my support system—friends, family, and my partner—who encouraged me and kept me accountable.
I celebrated my progress, no matter how small, and practiced self-compassion, understanding that setbacks were not failures but opportunities to learn and grow.
Building Confidence Along the Way
Working on self-confidence during the weight loss journey was crucial. I realised that confidence wasn’t something I had to wait for; it was something I could actively build every day.
By setting realistic goals, celebrating small wins, and showing myself kindness and patience, I gradually built a stronger sense of self-worth. This newfound confidence fuelled my journey, helping me to stay motivated and positive even when things got tough.
In the end, the journey was about more than just losing weight. It was about transforming my mindset, embracing a healthier lifestyle, and building the confidence to live my life to the fullest.
Each step, each challenge, and each victory brought me closer to the confident, empowered person I am today.
Developing a Growth Mindset
One thing I’ve learned on my journey is how closely self-confidence and a growth mindset are linked. A growth mindset is something I talk a lot about on this blog.
It’s all about believing that you can improve and grow through effort and learning. It’s the idea that your abilities and intelligence can be developed over time.
When you adopt a growth mindset, you start to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. This shift in thinking boosts your self-confidence because you’re no longer afraid of failure; instead, you see it as a part of the learning process.
Every time you try something new and push through difficulties, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of growth and change.
This boost in self-confidence then feeds back into your growth mindset. As you become more confident in your abilities, you’re more likely to take on new challenges and keep pushing your limits.
It’s a positive cycle where each small success builds your confidence, which in turn reinforces your belief in your potential to grow.
For example, when I started my weight loss journey, I had to really believe that I could change my habits and improve my health. No matter how many failed weight loss attempts I had in the past.
Losing 80 pounds changed me both physically and emotionally. Physically, I felt like a new person. My asthma got much better, so I could breathe easier and do things I used to avoid.
I became stronger and fitter, and my cardio endurance improved, which made activities like hiking enjoyable. Climbing stairs or playing with my siblings’ kids no longer left me breathless.
I had more energy, slept better, and felt less pain. The changes in my fitness were truly amazing.
But the emotional transformation was even bigger. Through my achievements in fitness and healthy eating, I began to remove layers of self-doubt and insecurity that had weighed me down for years.
I started to see myself in a new light, recognising my strength, resilience, and ability to change. The joy I felt from achieving my goals radiated through every aspect of my life.
I noticed a shift in my relationships, too. With my newfound confidence, I was more open and engaged with others. I no longer hid in the background during events or felt embarrassed about my appearance.
I felt more present and connected, able to fully participate in and enjoy life’s moments.
A New Chapter: Becoming a Mum
Trigger Warning: This section discusses postnatal depression (PPD).
Embracing Motherhood
Recently, I entered a new and wonderful chapter of my life: becoming a mum. My son is now five months old, and the experience of motherhood has brought immense joy and fulfilment.
However, this journey has also come with its own set of challenges, including dealing with severe postnatal depression, which significantly impacted my self-confidence.
Confidence and Postnatal Depression
Being a first-time mum, I faced the unexpected challenge of postnatal depression. The overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion made it extremely hard to enjoy the early months of motherhood.
It took a toll on my self-confidence and made the daily responsibilities of being a mum even more difficult.
My self-confidence took a big hit, but after getting help from midwives, and my doctor, and starting medication, I began to build on the foundations I had already laid during my journey.
I reminded myself of my strength and resilience, even on the days when I felt at my lowest.
This journey taught me the importance of self-compassion and seeking help when needed, whether through talking to loved ones or professional support.
Body Changes
The self-confidence I had built during my journey became crucial. I gained some weight during pregnancy, and the medication for postnatal depression, which increased my appetite, caused me to gain weight postnatally as well.
Because I had learned to be happier in my body before losing weight, this additional weight didn’t hit me as hard as it could have.
I have continued to practice small, healthy habits, and the weight has started to come off again. However, my routine looks a bit different now with the new addition of a baby.
Finding time for exercise and healthy eating requires more planning and flexibility, but the foundations I laid during my weight loss journey have helped me stay on track.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
The journey of becoming a mother has reinforced the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and practising self-compassion.
I’ve had to be patient with myself, acknowledging that it’s okay to struggle and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The self-care habits I developed before have been essential in managing my mental health and staying grounded.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and mindful breathing, have helped me stay present and reduce anxiety. I also found that getting back into joyful movement, even in small, manageable ways, greatly improved my mood and energy levels.
These practices have been vital in helping me cope with postnatal depression and regain my self-confidence.
Strength for a New Role
The physical strength I gained from weight training and regular exercise has been invaluable as a new mum. From carrying my son to enduring sleepless nights, my body is now more capable and resilient.
The stamina and energy levels I developed have made it easier to keep up with the demands of motherhood, allowing me to be more present and engaged with my little one.
Moving Forward
As I continue to grow in my role as a mother, I remain committed to the principles that have guided me thus far: embracing joyful movement, practising mindfulness, and maintaining a positive mindset.
The journey doesn’t end with reaching a goal weight; it evolves with each new challenge and opportunity life presents.
Help and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with postnatal depression, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the PANDAS Foundation. They understand what you’re going through and are there to help.
Their support made a huge difference for me, helping me reach out to my doctor, and giving me someone to talk to, I found their WhatsApp function particularly helpful, as I am not a phone call person!
Or, if you simply feel moved and want to help other parents going through similar struggles, consider donating to the PANDAS Foundation. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of many families.
You can find more information and support on their website: PANDAS Foundation
Self-Confidence Today
Today, I’m really proud of the journey I’ve been on and the person I’ve become. I don’t see challenges as huge obstacles anymore but as chances to grow and learn.
This change in perspective has helped me set and achieve new goals, in all aspects of my life.
Looking back, the difference in how I feel about myself is like night and day. I used to be stuck in a cycle of self-criticism and doubt. Now, I wake up each day feeling optimistic and confident.
I trust my abilities and know my worth, no matter what the scale says.
This journey taught me that self-confidence isn’t just about how you look; it’s about how you feel and how you see yourself.
It’s built through small victories, consistent effort, and a positive mindset. By rewriting my narrative, I’ve learned to embrace my strengths, accept my imperfections, and celebrate my achievements.
Losing 80 pounds changed my life, but gaining self-confidence really transformed my world. Even dealing with postnatal depression and the weight gain that came with pregnancy and medication, I’ve been able to stay positive and keep moving forward.
Work on Self-Confidence Early: Start building your self-confidence and improving your self-image right from the start. Don’t wait until you hit your goal weight to feel good about yourself. You’re not going to wake up one day at the “perfect” weight and suddenly be happy. Confidence and happiness come from within, not just from the number on the scale.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down your big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each small win to stay motivated and positive.
Joyful Movement: Find physical activities you enjoy. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore. It feels amazing to see yourself getting stronger, fitter, and improving over time!
Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Setbacks are part of the journey and don’t define your progress.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or online communities. Sharing your journey with others can provide encouragement, accountability, and motivation.
Celebrate Non-Scale Victories: Focus on positive changes that aren’t related to the scale, like increased energy, better sleep, improved mood, and better physical abilities.
Embrace the Journey: Remember, the journey to self-confidence and well-being is ongoing. It’s about creating a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that supports your goals and happiness, not just reaching a specific weight.
A Story About Self-Confidence: Conclusion
My journey to self-confidence has been filled with ups and downs, from struggling with weight and self-doubt to finding strength and joy in movement and navigating the challenges of postnatal depression as a new mum.
Each step of the way, I learned that building self-confidence is not about reaching a certain weight or achieving perfection. It’s about embracing who you are, celebrating your progress, and being kind to yourself, even on the toughest days.
If you’re struggling with your own self-confidence, I want you to know that change is possible. Start with small steps, celebrate your victories, and remember that setbacks are part of the process.
Surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to create a life filled with strength, joy, and purpose.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. I hope it inspires you to embark on your own journey towards self-confidence and well-being. You’ve got this!
How many times have you started a new diet, convinced this time would be different, only to end up back at square one? It’s frustrating, exhausting, and honestly, a bit soul-destroying. But what if I told you the real key to weight loss success isn’t just about food or exercise—mindset matters more than anything?
Your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes shape every choice you make on this journey. If you’re stuck in a negative mindset—constantly doubting yourself, obsessing over perfection, or feeling like you’re doomed to fail—it’s no surprise that weight loss feels like an uphill battle.
But the good news? You can change how you think—and when you do, everything changes.
Let’s talk about why your mindset matters most when it comes to sustainable weight loss, and how you can shift it to finally see long-term success.
Why Mindset Matters: How Your Thinking Affects Weight Loss
Your mindset is the foundation of everything. It determines how you see yourself, how you handle challenges, and whether you stay committed when things get tough.
A positive, growth-oriented mindset makes it easier to:
Stay consistent—even when progress feels slow.
Bounce back from setbacks instead of giving up.
Enjoy the journey instead of just focusing on the finish line.
On the flip side, a negative, limiting mindset can:
Keep you stuck in the yo-yo dieting cycle.
Make you feel guilty and ashamed when you’re not “perfect.”
Lead to self-sabotage whenever progress isn’t fast enough.
Bottom line? Your thoughts create your reality—so if you want to lose weight and keep it off, you need to work on what’s happening in your head first.
Common Mindset Blocks That Keep You Stuck
Ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy on this journey? You’re not alone. Here are some common mindset traps that hold people back:
All-or-Nothing Thinking
“I ate one ‘bad’ meal, so I might as well give up and start over Monday.” Nope! One meal doesn’t ruin your progress. A balanced mindset beats extremes.
Perfectionism
“If I don’t do everything perfectly, I’m failing.” Weight loss isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent.
Self-Limiting Beliefs
“I just don’t have the willpower to lose weight.” You do—you just need the right strategies, not more self-criticism.
Emotional Eating
“I’m stressed, so I need comfort food.” Food is fuel, not therapy. Learning to manage emotions without eating is key!
The Power of a Growth Mindset
The most successful people in weight loss (and life!) have something in common: a growth mindset.
Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, they see them as opportunities to learn and improve.
Fixed Mindset: “I suck at losing weight. I’ll never be able to do this.”
Growth Mindset: “This is tough, but I can learn from my mistakes and keep improving.”
When you start seeing weight loss as a learning process rather than a “pass or fail” test, everything changes. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
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How to Shift Your Mindset for Weight Loss Success
Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Next time you catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never lose weight,” ask yourself: Why do I believe that? What proof do I actually have?
Chances are, it’s not that you “can’t” lose weight—you just haven’t found the right approach for you yet.
Swap negative thoughts for empowering ones
“I’m just not disciplined enough.” “I am building habits that make me stronger every day.”
“I always fail at this.” “Every setback is a chance to learn and do better.”
Practice Self-Compassion
Being hard on yourself won’t help you lose weight faster—it’ll just make you miserable. Instead of beating yourself up for a “bad” day, treat yourself with the same kindness you’d give a friend.
If your best mate told you they had a tough week, would you say:
“Wow, you’re a failure. Just quit now.” or “That’s okay! Progress isn’t ruined by one tough week. Keep going!”
Exactly. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others.
Set Realistic Goals
One of the biggest motivation killers? Setting goals that are too extreme and feeling like you’re constantly failing.
“I need to lose 10lbs this month.” “I’ll focus on building consistent habits and celebrate small wins.”
“I have to work out every single day.” “I’ll find movement I enjoy and aim for progress, not perfection.”
Weight loss is a long game. The people who succeed are the ones who stick with it, even when progress is slow.
Mindset Hacks for Weight Loss Success: Must-Read Posts
Struggling with motivation? Stuck in self-doubt? These posts will rewire your mindset, boost confidence, and keep you on track!
