Mind Coach: Full Speed Ahead

Megan is a World Champion cyclist again in 2009 ©RoadCycling.co.nz

The first steps towards your goals are often where you will encounter your greatest obstacles.

Following, are five common barriers to achieving 'cruising altitude' towards your goal destination.

Barrier 1: Assumptions

Are your assumptions excuses? Are you telling the truth? Do you use the word 'but' in relation to your goals? For example:

• I would love to break five hours for Taupo but I'm too old.
• I would love to make a comeback and compete at the national level but my partner wouldn't be supportive.

As the saying goes, whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't, you're right. A chat with your partner, reviewing previous results would provide some facts to make an informed decision or maybe that is what you are afraid of?

Barrier 2: Fear

What is the worst thing that could happen if you took action now?

It is probably not scary, dangerous fear that's the issue, but rather the 'fear of change' or the 'What if' fear. For example:

• What if I invest in new bike wheels and the car needs repairing?
• What if I give up my job to train full time and I don't make it?

Barrier 3: Money

Is money an excuse or a genuine reason not to pursue your goal?

If your goal does require some financial power, there is a difference between not having money and not wanting to spend money.

For example, you may decide that you cannot afford to upgrade your bike because you want to spend the money on a new kitchen. But what good is a new kitchen, if later in life your regret not pursuing your passion!? Ask yourself, what would be the cost to my future happiness of not investing in my goal?

Barrier 4: Limiting Beliefs

Are you running a program in your head that supports your goals? What beliefs do you need to change?  For example:

• You want to train for a major cycling event but believe that getting to your optimum racing weight will be very challenging.
• You believe that because you're just new to the sport you couldn't possibly break into the top 20 in the nationals in the first year.

Barrier 5: Setbacks

How many setbacks would it take before you gave up?

One, two, or more? One of the qualities of a winner is they are people who are resilient and persistent. They know setbacks are part of the journey. When a setback does occur, they challenge their focus into eliminating it, not feeling overwhelming by the big picture.

If you were setting off on your annual holiday and you encountered a detour, would you turn back and cancel the holiday? I'm sure you would not. You would take the alternative route and become focused on arriving at your destination ... sounds simple and it is!

© MindCoach 2009. All rights reserved.

Megan works as a Performance Coach. Visit her website for more information www.mindcoach.co.nz