Ten hidden mindsets that quietly block athletes from becoming champions—and what to do instead.
What Not to Do to Be a Champion
What makes a champion? Heck, there are a million answers…
Over the years though, I’ve noticed patterns of thinking that stop people from becoming champions. Yes, I know that’s not the question—but answering it this way gives us something solid to work from.
Take a look—do any of these sound like you?
“If you keep doing what you always do you will get something different.” Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” In training, if something’s not working—take note or a video, then start varying how and where you do it. ‘Varied Adaptation’ and ‘Varied Application’ are key to high performance.
“I know what feels wrong before I truly know what feels right.” In early learning, we notice only fragments of a trick. With time, successful execution includes many nuanced details. Keep exploring different variations to broaden your understanding and mastery.
“Success is when I hit the trick.” Freestyle success isn’t just hitting a trick—it’s achieving component parts too. Learn to reflect on partial wins and build from there. This accelerates learning more than people realise.
“Right and Wrong.” One of the most frustrating ideas. Freestyle is constantly evolving—what was once ‘wrong’ may now be the foundation of new tricks. Replace “Right/Wrong” with “Useful/Not Useful (Right Now).”
“Good and Bad.” Labelling sides as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ limits progress. This usually stems from not training both sides equally. Change the belief: “I can perform equally well both sides.” Challenge the thoughts that hold you back.
“If I paddle hard and long, I’ll get better.” Maybe. But deliberate practice—working with intention, planning, reviewing—leads to faster improvement. Remember: Review is the most powerful part. Reflection is where performance transforms.
“In competition, I’ll just turn up the aggression or humour.” This is a survival strategy (fight/flight/freeze) and it rarely works. Fight = too much power and chaos. Flight = disengagement. Freeze = paralysis. Instead, centre yourself—breathe, reflect, reset.
“Maximal is optimal.” Nope. Freestyle is about the right amount of energy. For example, try varying stroke power in a McNasty—sometimes 60% hits where 80% fails. Optimal beats maximal.
Mirroring. Watch out for copying the mindset or energy of others. Champions stay proactive and self-anchored. Use visual anchors—a person on the bank with calm posture and presence—to keep your centre.
Living in the past or future, instead of NOW. Past wins/losses can influence your state—positively or negatively. Future thinking can motivate, but performance happens in the present. You must return to the now to deliver.
🚀📈👊 Adapt, Grow – Own It
What-Not-to-Do-to-Be-a-Champion