The importance of believing in your ability to achieve your goals cannot be overstated. According to Shad Helmstetter in The Power of Neuroplasticity, "When you add belief to any goal you set, something physical happens in the neural structure of your brain. And something measurable changes in the outcome. Belief works, no matter what you believe the source of its power to be” (p. 137).
When I talk to my athletes, I distinguish between wishes and goals. Saying "It would be cool to win a league meet" or "I want to break the school record for the 5k" are mere wishes without belief. In contrast, statements like "I'm going to win a league race this year," or "I'm going to break that school record, count on it" reflect belief and commitment to a goal. Helmstetter notes, “When you want to reach a realistic goal, you don’t have to automatically have faith that you’re going to reach it; you can choose to believe. At any moment, you can decide, ‘I choose to believe.’ Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get started” (p. 138).
Research supports the idea that belief strongly influences outcomes: "“The more you believe in the outcome, the more that outcome tends to happen. When all the other factors are in place, your own choice casts the deciding vote” (p. 138). In endurance sports, this belief is pivotal for pushing one's limits. While factors like consistent training, diet, and sleep are crucial, they are meaningless without genuine belief. Conversely, believing in unrealistic goals without supporting factors sets one up for disappointment.
The power of belief emerges as a central theme in achieving personal goals, especially in the realm of endurance sports. Belief not only influences the neural pathways in our brains and powers us towards our desired outcomes. Research confirms that belief enhances the likelihood of success when combined with other essential factors such as rigorous training and optimal preparation. Ultimately, whether in sports or in life, nurturing a steadfast belief in our abilities remains crucial for reaching and surpassing our goals.
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