Silence your inner critic

Negative self-talk doesn’t mean you’re weak.

It means you’re human—and you're doing something hard.

Whether you're on mile 10 of a long run or halfway through a grueling climb, that voice in your head will try to negotiate with you. Tell you to quit. Whisper that you’re not strong enough.

But here’s the truth:

The voice isn’t reality. It’s just noise.

The key isn’t fighting it—it’s preparing for it.

🛠️ Tools to talk back:

• Name your purpose. Know why you’re out there.

• Build your adversity plan. Anticipate the tough moments.

• Use a mantra. A simple phrase to anchor your effort.

You don’t need silence. You need strategy.

Every athlete I work with must come up with a mantra and an adversity plan. An adversity plan is a running list of every challenge or annoyance that could arise between now and the finish line.

Writing it down makes the hurdle more manageable because it’s no longer whirling around in your head, taking up space. Once it is on your list, you can prepare for it.