Sport is an excellent arena in which the human spirit is challenged to persevere despite personal limits. The limits do not only include limited ability, but limits of what a human can accomplish. As I write this, the world soccer finals are in the elimination phase. If the score is tied after regular time (over 90 minutes of play), at least a further 30 minutes of playing time is allotted to see if a victor can arise during normal play.
Throughout the entire match, only 3 substitutions are allowed, which means at least 8 of the original players play the entire 2 or more hours. It is not uncommon for players to run over 10 km during the course of the game. After so much playing time, players are challenged to find the wherewithal to continue to plan a team strategy both offensively and defensively; as well as have the leg power to drill a shot on goal when the opportunity arises. Not only are these factors a challenge; add to this playing in over 30 degree heat (plus humidity).
Update: Now I continue to write. At this time the World Cup is complete and Germany is world champion. Many ups and downs along the way for all teams involved. A thrilling tournament it has been indeed!
The ability to continue to believe in oneself during a gruelling match is enhanced by playing the game within the constructive mindset. I am sure there are those who attempt to “power themselves up” by, for example, trying to think positively. Thinking positively has its benefits; however, there is freedom to find the hopeful and realistic positive spin in the context of the constructive mindset. Within the destructive mindset, one is attempting to convince oneself to be positive by one’s own brain power; however, this “positivity” can wear thin and not be believable if the situation turns out to be negative. What is one left with in the face of defeat? Contrast this with realistic, hopeful, and positive thinking within the constructive mindset that maintains belief in oneself in the face of a negative outcome; one is not a failure, merely there is a negative result and something that can be gleaned from the experience; one is free to congratulate and honour the victor, while maintaining dignity and honour for oneself for a well-played match.
Whether playing soccer or writing, such as the Dr. Sinn’s Bin column, one has to persevere in what one is passionate about, keeping focused on what the project is about, rather than making the project be about the self. For example, if I put pressure on myself to get a column written, in the face of not having written for a length of time, I may start believing I am a potato or may be a potato if I don’t get something written quickly. On the other hand, if I remind myself that I am not a potato, but that I must focus on the topic at hand, then I am free to be creative, and find something about the constructive mindset to write about.
What are you stuck at, and can’t seem to get going? Could it be writer’s block? Are you procrastinating? Are you not “getting into the game” because you think you are or may be a potato? If so, then please recognize you may be restricted by the destructive mindset. Work on switching to the constructive mindset, and see what happens. Perhaps you will find your creativity start to flow! Viel Glűck! (German for “Good luck!”)