Positive Thinking vs. Negative in Sports

(Light vs. Darkness, Champion’s Mentality vs. Defeated Mindset)

In sports, success is determined by more than just strength or technique. One of the most powerful factors that often decides whether you finish or give up is your mental attitude. This is where the true difference lies between the mentality of a champion and the mentality of someone who gives up.

The Mind Affects the Body

When your mind is under pressure, your body reacts. Breathing changes, movement becomes stiff, and performance drops. Mental stress has a direct impact on physical performance. Negative thoughts and self-doubt reduce your capacity, even when your body could actually do more. On the other hand, a calm mind, focus, and a positive approach can push you past what you thought were your limits.

My Experience from Spartan Races

Spartan Races taught me that without mental preparation, I won’t get far. Physical training is the foundation, but in key moments, it’s your mindset that determines the outcome.

Take the spear throw, for example. I often catch myself thinking about it for half the race—wondering whether I’ll hit the target or not. The pressure, the fatigue, the internal noise—it builds up. That’s why I created my own pre-obstacle ritual. Right before tough obstacles like monkey bars or the spear throw, I stop for a few seconds. Deep breath in, breath out, mental visualization—and then I go. In that moment, I block everything out and focus on a single task. That short pause often makes the difference between failure and success.

The Monkey in Your Head vs. the Inner Warrior

Mental coaches often talk about the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for fear and stress. They call it “the monkey.” It’s that inner voice saying:
“You can’t do this. You’re done. Give up.”

This monkey lives inside all of us. But in those moments, someone else can step forward—the inner warrior. The one who quiets the monkey, lifts the head, squares the shoulders, and steps into the challenge. Not because there’s no fear, but because he knows how to manage it. Because he knows why he’s fighting.

Not Just for Pros

You might be thinking, “That’s something for professional athletes—not for me.”
But that’s a misconception.

These mental techniques are not a luxury. They’re tools. And tools are made to be used by anyone.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a few kilometers after work, lifting weights for fun, or racing occasionally. Working with your breath, visualization, self-talk—these are techniques that can help you push through tough workouts, overcome mid-race crises, or simply get moving on days when motivation is low. They help silence the inner resistance, reduce stress, and guide you forward when your body says it’s done.

Conclusion

There’s light and darkness in all of us. The monkey and the warrior. The defeated and the champion. And every training session, every race, every decision begins with one question: Who are you allowing to speak?

Sport is not just about physical ability. It’s about mental discipline—practiced every single day. Whether you’re on the course, in the gym, or alone with your thoughts, the real battle happens inside. Learn to win it—day by day.

Who’s speaking louder today—your monkey or your inner warrior?

Vladimir Veverka
Personal trainer and nutrition consultant