Practice: The Storytelling Challenge
This week, you’ll train your mind to welcome uncertainty rather than resist it.
Step 1: Pick a Workout to "Let Go"
- Choose a workout where you’ll allow one element to be unpredictable.
- Examples:
- Run or ride a new route without pre-planning your pace.
- Turn off your GPS and go by feel.
- Let a training partner set the pace or workout structure.
- Start a session not knowing how long you’ll go—decide mid-workout based on feel.
Step 2: Observe Your Emotional Response
- How did it feel to not know exactly what was coming?
- Did you feel anxious, or was there a sense of freedom?
- When did your mind resist the unknown?
- When did you lean into trust and adaptability?
Step 3: Reframe the Experience as a Story
- After the workout, write a short story about what unfolded.
- Instead of a report ("I ran 6 miles"), describe it as if you were telling a meaningful narrative:
- "Today, I set out without a plan. The air was crisp, and I felt a mix of excitement and unease. When I hit mile 3, I noticed… [describe your experience]."
- Focus on how uncertainty shaped the experience.
Key Takeaway:
You don’t need to know everything ahead of time to perform well. By practicing trust, reframing unpredictability as opportunity, and staying curious rather than controlling, you’ll become more adaptable—not just in sport, but in life.
Final Reflection:
After your storytelling challenge, ask yourself:
- What did I learn about myself today?
- How did I respond when things felt unknown?
- What would happen if I welcomed uncertainty more often?
You are not here to control every variable. You are here to embrace the journey—uncertainty and all.
