Finding Your Flow – Racing with Presence and Emotional Awareness
"Racing is not about silencing emotions. It’s about listening to the right ones."
For the Intuitive Feeler, racing can feel overwhelming—not because they aren’t physically prepared, but because of the emotional weight they attach to the experience. The high stakes, the personal significance, the self-imposed expectations—these can make race day feel like an emotional rollercoaster.
The key to performing well isn’t suppressing emotions, but channeling them effectively. Instead of letting emotions dictate your performance, you can use them to fuel your focus and flow.
What is Flow State?
Flow is that effortless, locked-in feeling where your body and mind move as one. You’re present in the moment, not overthinking, not doubting—just doing. Athletes often describe flow as “being in the zone.” This isn’t just a lucky break; it’s a state that can be intentionally cultivated.
For an Intuitive Feeler, flow doesn’t come from rigid control—it comes from allowing emotions to exist without resistance, while gently guiding them in the right direction.
Three Emotional Disruptors on Race Day & How to Redirect Them
Instead of trying to "block out" emotions, recognize them, and use them as cues to regain focus:
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Excitement Turns into Anxiety
- What Happens? You care so much about the outcome that pre-race nerves morph into fear.
- Redirect: See nerves as a signal that your body is ready. Instead of fighting them, breathe deeply and say, “This is my body preparing me.”
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Over-Attachment to the Result
- What Happens? You get so focused on the finish time or placement that you miss the present moment.
- Redirect: Bring awareness to your senses—feel your breath, hear the sounds around you, connect with the rhythm of your movement. The more present you are, the better your race will flow.
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Emotional Swings Mid-Race
- What Happens? A bad patch makes you doubt yourself. A good patch makes you speed up too much.
- Redirect: Instead of reacting, observe your emotions like a passing wave: "Right now, I’m feeling doubt. That’s okay. It’s just a feeling, not a fact." Use calm, rhythmic breathing to stay steady.
Mantras for an Intuitive Racer
Mantras help focus emotions. Choose one that resonates with you:
- “I trust my body.” (For when doubts creep in)
- “Stay with the moment.” (For when the mind jumps ahead)
- “Strong, steady, smooth.” (For maintaining rhythm)
- “This is what I love.” (For reconnecting with purpose)
Letting Go of the Outcome
What if, instead of fearing the race result, you saw it as a conversation with your training? The race is a reflection of your journey, not a judgment of your worth. Focus on executing the best possible effort in each moment, rather than fixating on the final number.
