Mindset Exercise: The Doubt Neutralizer Drill
Step 1: Identify Your Top 3 Doubts
- Take 5 minutes to write down the three most common doubts that enter your mind before a race or hard session.
- Be honest—what are the thoughts that try to break you?
Examples:
❌ “I always struggle late in races.”
❌ “I’m not strong enough to hold pace.”
❌ “What if I fail and embarrass myself?”
Step 2: Flip the Narrative
For each doubt, create a counterstatement based on truth and past evidence.
Example Reframes:
🔥 “I always struggle late in races” → “I’ve had tough races, but I’ve also finished strong before. My training shows I’m stronger than I was then.”
🔥 “I’m not strong enough to hold pace” → “I’ve done multiple sessions at this pace. I know how to manage effort and execute.”
🔥 “What if I fail and embarrass myself?” → “Failure isn’t final. I control how I respond, and I’ll adjust no matter what.”
Step 3: Anchor to a Power Phrase
Develop a short, repeatable mantra that reminds you of your ability. Examples:
🔹 “Trust the work. Execute the plan.”
🔹 “I control my effort, not my fear.”
🔹 “I’ve done hard things before—I’ll do it again.”
Step 4: Implement It Under Stress
- Before key workouts this week, read your counterstatements and mantra out loud.
- During training, when doubt shows up, use your power phrase instead of engaging with the negative thought.
- On race day, repeat it in high-pressure moments (at the start line, before big surges, during fatigue).
Final Thought: Don’t Fight Doubt—Use It
Doubt is only a problem if you let it dictate your actions. The best athletes don’t let doubt disappear—they learn how to recognize it, respond to it, and keep moving forward.
This week, your challenge is simple:
🚀 When doubt comes, don’t let it stop you—use it to sharpen your focus and fuel your execution.
