Success in running is not just about fitness; it is also about mental toughness and perseverance. Often, the biggest obstacle to achieving our running goals is not physical limitations but rather our own self-doubt.

Negative self-talk, fear of failure, and comparisons to others can all lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which in turn can derail our running journeys. Overcoming self-doubt is essential to achieving success in running, as well as in other areas of our lives.

In this article, I will explore the mental side of running and provide strategies to help you overcome self-doubt and build confidence.

Why Fitness Matters

First off, before we get to the main point, it is important to recognise the role of fitness in running. Fitness matters because it plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being as well as our ability to run well.

The Mental Side

The mental side of running is often overlooked but plays a significant role in our ability to achieve our goals. Limiting beliefs about ourselves, such as feeling inadequate or incapable of reaching our goals, can hinder our motivation and confidence.

However, taking action towards our running goals can help us overcome these beliefs and improve our mental resilience. By setting realistic goals and challenging negative self-talk, we can build a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy, positively impacting other areas of our lives.

Additionally, regular running has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and promoting overall well-being.

As difficult as it may seem, overcoming self-doubt is entirely possible, no matter how difficult it looks.

In fact, it is the first step on your fitness journey, and it all starts with…

Acknowledging Self-Doubt

Acknowledging self-doubt is a critical first step toward overcoming it. Many people may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their doubts and fears, which can prevent them from taking action toward their goals. However, ignoring self-doubt only allows it to persist and grow, hindering progress toward our running goals.

By acknowledging and accepting our doubts, we can begin to identify the underlying causes and take steps to address them. This process may involve challenging negative self-talk, seeking support from others, and setting realistic goals. By taking an honest and open approach to our doubts, we can develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and self-confidence, ultimately leading to greater success in our fitness journeys.

The most important part is to treat self-doubt like a separate entity - you are not it.

Facing Challenges

Facing and overcoming challenges is a surefire way of building strong self-esteem. When we set and achieve challenging goals, we prove to ourselves that we are capable of achieving more than we may have initially thought possible. This sense of accomplishment and pride can boost our self-confidence and motivate us to continue taking on new challenges. Moreover, facing and overcoming obstacles in our fitness journeys can help us develop mental resilience and problem-solving skills that can be applied elsewhere.

And so, instead of standing in front of a mirror, saying affirmations (as helpful as that can be), try taking action - overcoming challenges is undeniable proof that you actually are capable of doing things.

Re-Framing Thoughts

One of the best ways to overcome self-doubt is to reframe negative, self-sabotaging thoughts. As you learned, negative self-talk can be a significant obstacle to achieving our running goals and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Reframing these negative thoughts involves challenging the validity of these beliefs and replacing them with more positive, empowering ones.

This process may involve asking ourselves questions like, "Is this thought really true?" or "What evidence do I have to support this belief?" and then actively working to replace these thoughts with more positive ones, such as "I am capable of achieving my running goals" or "I am making progress towards my goals every day."  By reframing negative self-talk, we can build a more positive and empowering mindset that will help us overcome self-doubt and achieve our running goals.

Conclusion 

When it comes to achieving our running goals, it's easy to get caught up in overthinking, self-doubt, and procrastination. However, the truth is that nothing will happen unless we take action. Sometimes, the most challenging part is simply getting started.

But by taking that first step and committing to our goals, we can build momentum and make progress toward achieving them. It may not always be easy, and we may encounter obstacles along the way, but with determination and perseverance, we can push through and reach our goals.

So don't wait for the perfect moment or the right circumstances - just get started and see where your running journey takes you.