Never Try

By coach Matt Russ

�I will try" is not a positive affirmation. To try is to simply make an attempt and then leave the rest to chance. It lets in the possibility of failure and doubt. It is a ready excuse- "I tried." If you really want to accomplish a goal, start off by making sure it is reasonable and attainable. The next step is to doggedly pursue it. Use positive affirmations such as "I will succeed," "I can accomplish this," "I will do my absolute best." Play these over and over in your head. Now doesn't that sound better than "I will try?"

There are those that try and there are those that succeed. Finding out what side of the fence you land on is largely a choice. Start by eliminating "try" from your vocabulary. You may not succeed in achieving your goal, but it you gave it your 100% best effort you are a success.

Matt Russ has coached and trained elite athletes from around the country and internationally for over ten years. He currently holds expert licenses from USA Triathlon, USA Cycling (Elite), and is a licensed USA Track and Field Coach. Matt is head coach and owner of The Sport Factory, and works with athletes of all levels full time. He is a free lance author and his articles are regularly featured in a variety of magazines such as Inside Triathlon, and Triathlete. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information or email him at coachmatt@thesportfactory.com