3 Mindset Shifts to Improve Your Performance

by; Tom Danielson, CINCH CYCLING

Ever had that moment when the key move goes, but you are just stuck there, frozen, and cannot even move to follow?

In CINCH we call this moment, “the moment of urgency.”

We have found the reason behind this “freeze” when you need to go is being focused on the wrong thing, at the wrong time.

The truth is, the mind can only process one thought at a time. 

Many people produce on their own a constant playlist of negative thoughts prior to or during tough moments.  These negative thoughts range from “there’s no way I am strong enough to stay here” to “why am I in pain behind this rider that I know I am better than.”

So we have three tips to help you shift to a mindset that will put you in position to follow the move when it is time!

1. Before you start each ride or workout, begin by defining your “why.”  Most times you will find your why as “to push myself or improve myself.”  Sitting up when times get tough are not inline with this!
2. Don’t let other people dictate the effort you give (this goes both ways, good and bad).  TAKE THE POWER BACK!  When you go ahead of others, don’t let yourself feel good from this and when they leave you behind don’t let yourself feel back.  Only along the effort you give to dictate how you feel about yourself.
3. Stop trying to predict the future, this takes you away from your ability to perform in the present moment.  If you are struggling to follow, don’t give up because you “predict” this pace to continue.  At the same time, if someone attacks, just go!  Don’t “predict” whether or not if you try how it is going to work out.  99% of winning moves go because others “choose” to not go with them rather than try and fail.  Think about that!

Alright, give these three tips a try to win your next ride.  

By Tom Danielson, CinchCoaching/CinchCycling  and Contributor to Avid Cyclist

 Tom Danielson is a former Tour De France Cyclist, author, entrepreneur, cycling coach and the founder and CEO of Cinch Cycling INC.