I have spent most of my professional career studying the key traits of top performers in both sports and life. Time and again, I’ve found that mental toughness is what sets them apart. But what exactly makes mental toughness a game changer? Focus? Motivation? Resilience? While these qualities—and many others—are undoubtedly important, the real answer may be much simpler. Often, the difference between winning and losing, success and failure, or being great instead of just good, comes down to one thing: Who wants it more?
Who wants it more?
The question above is clear and direct, and while it might also seem overly simplistic, I would argue there is a lot to unpack when asking who wants it more? To begin with, these are not just words you casually utter, but instead reflect an entire way of life! People who want it more ride their intrinsic motivation faster and farther for a number of reasons, including:
- They develop a world view of optimism, and create an “I can” mindset.
- They allow their belief to push them to places they never thought possible.
- They are patient, and use experience and wisdom to become more efficient with their thinking and movements.
- They constantly think about the competition, and what needs to be done to stay in front of the competition.
- They develop effective coping strategies, and do not allow stress, adversity, frustration, and failure to negatively impact their efforts.
- They do not overlook the little things, like being prepared, on time, and focused.
- They experience an overall greater level of mental toughness, and therefore maximize their athletic abilities.
As you can see the question of who wants it more is not simply a bumper sticker, or a silly coach cliche used moments before a big game. No, who wants it more is really a way of life, and the compass all successful athletes use to guide their daily routines, and keep their minds sharp at all times.
Final thoughts
When examining mental toughness, the first question might begin with a close and honest look at how bad the athlete really wants to reach his or her dreams? Being the best at anything is an active process, and requires ongoing mental toughness development in order to roll with the stress and adversity that often accompanies to the road to success. While simply wanting it the most will not guarantee you will be the best, it is almost impossible to be the best without wanting it the most.
drstankovich.com
