2014

Psychology of CrossFit: Competition vs. Personal Best

Psychology of CrossFit: Competition vs. Personal Best
[box type="info" align="alignright" ] The following is part 1 in a series of monthly posts focused on the "psychology of...". Over the coming months, Lisa will investigate the psychology behind functional fitness and the benefits for athletes in nutrition, self-confidence and overall life. [/box]

Competition vs. Personal Best:  the Definitions


Christie_thruster

Definition of Competition from Merriam-Webster:

...the act or process of trying to get or win something (such as a prize or a higher level of success) that someone else is also trying to get or win; the act or process of competing

Definition of PR according to CrossFit:

...when an athlete achieves his or her personal record on a lift/WOD.

I have witnessed excellent athletes that do not like CrossFit , or more appropriately, they don't like to compete at CrossFit. These athletes come up with a lot of excuses as to why CrossFit isn't for them. Too broad, too hardcore, too insert-excuse-here. The truth is...

[highlight] CrossFit is not really about competition, it is about knowing your strengths and recognizing your weaknesses. CrossFit is the ultimate comparison of oneself to, well, oneself.[/highlight]


Look at the popularity of athletes that work out solo in their own garage gyms. Some of these folks are games competitors - they understand that it is about pushing yourself both mentally and physically in order to achieve success.

Dealing with weaknesses (What's your Goat?)


In CrossFit, the more you practice, overcoming your " goat " the better you will be at all things CrossFit. Don't be fearful of the competitive aspect of CrossFit. It took me three years to get an unassisted pull-up. After an injury I find myself back on the green band. Sometimes during the WOD I want to scream "I used to be able to do 10 pull-ups in a row!" Regardless, I will celebrate the day I can do an unassisted pull-ups again.

Only_person

For your own sanity don't compare yourself to the 25 year old, former college athlete who just did Fran sub 5, because you are not comparing apples to apples.

Compare the current you, to your own PR.


 

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Nutcase Crunch Logo About Lisa:


Lisa Scotto's life is forever changed by the Paleo diet. After 14 years of working in corporate America, she was inspired to become an entrepreneur. In 2011, Lisa created Nutcase Crunch , a nut-based Paleo granola and cereal substitute. Her goal is to teach others about nutrition and the negative affects of the current Standard American Diet.  

Be sure to connect with Lisa on Twitter and Facebook too.

DISCLAIMER: "CrossFit, Inc. does not endorse, sanction, approve of or support this work or any content or opinions expressed herein"
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