WEST VIRGINIA MAT THOUGHTS
by Dr. Bill Welker
... on Wrestling Yourself
The most important victories in this world are fought within ourselves!
I lost ten matches in my high school career as a wrestler. One of those loses was at the hands of my worthy adversary. The other nine defeats were battles fought and lost before I ever step on the mats.
What was the problem? Well, I was so afraid of making mistakes that I forgot to think how hard I trained in practice to win. Thus, I "tensed up," wrestled without self-confidence, and ultimately lost.
Now, what can an athlete do to win that all-important conflict within himself? Below are two helpful hints from my personal experiences as a competitor:
-
1. You must think of how much time you prepared to
win.
- 2. If negative thoughts do surface, get a quick dose
of fresh air from outside of splash cold water on
your face--and think positive! (Note: My intuitive
scholastic coach always noticed such symptoms in me.
That's when I received a stimulating slap on the face.
Boy, he sure knew how to make a person angry, and it
helped me win my "inner" matches.)
Yes, the most difficult "bout" is fought within yourself. But once conquered, no opponent, no challenge, or no obstacle in life is beyond your ability to overcome!
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Updated January 2, 1999