I know, I know….I had to compensate somehow, so I became a pilot… they’re hot too right!? By the way, thanks for sending me the pics of Austin, I’m incredibly proud of him.

-Cameron

First, let me say that I’m giving you an award tonight – best comment ever on Schaefer’s Blog! Serious, thanks so much for taking the time to put so much thought into your comment. It’s guys like you that make this blogging experience worthwhile.

You add a great point in emphasizing mental toughness. There’s something about champions that enables them to push through adversity much better and more consistently than the next guy. Kind of like Jordan getting cut from his high school basketball team the first year he tried out and using it as motivation for the rest of his career.

Adversity knocks some people out and causes others to excel, it’s a strange thing of nature.

So glad that you read my blog and add to the discussion!

-Cameron

Great post… this is something I’ve experienced in more of a team setting as last year’s Air Force Hockey team became the first service academy team ever to win a league championship (they won again this year to!). I can tell you that in a team sport like hockey, there is a certain swagger and a belief that you absolutely with no doubt in your mind know you are going to win. Every player had a role and ever player executed that role to the best of their ability.

After many years in organized hockey including four years at the NCAA Division I level I can honestly tell you that winning IS an attitude. In addition, it is learned behavior that can be taught (especially in a team capacity). This is why many teams and organizations bring in new coaches and players in an attempt to change the culture of a losing team/org. The old simply hasn’t worked, and it’s time for a new direction.

Also, the mental toughness necessary to compete at a high level is absolutely essential. There are certain players/runners/etc that naturally have the ability to overcome their mind telling them to quit. One thing I’ve found to be extremely effective in preparing your mind is to mentally take yourself through potential game scenarios. Where is the puck going to be next? If the puck rings around the boards to my side, what play will I make next? I would even walk myself through the first big hit of the game.

I imagine running a race like the half-marathon is a lot the same. You must mentally work your mind through the race. Mental toughness can definitely allow you to overcome your physical fatigue (to a certain extent). I feel it is a critical component separating winners and losers.

The top three elements of winning in my mind:

1. Constantly maintaining a winning attitude (Knowing you are going to win. Losers don’t like to lose, but they don’t have a passion to win—there is a difference!)

2. Mental toughness (the ability to fight through adversity. Do you quit when things don’t go your way? Winners don’t quit—they find ways to improve)

3. Athletic ability (you must have some level of athleticism in order to be successful at the highest levels—especially in sports.)

There are other elements that factor into the equation, but I think the three listed above are the most important.

-Brian