by JoAnn Dahlkoetter, Ph.D.

This article is a continuation of the "Sports Psychology" column in the January issue of Runner Triathlete News. For complete details on keeping a positive perspective, please pick up a copy of the January 2002 edition of Runner Triathlete News.

Take a piece of paper and draw a vertical line down the middle. At the top of the left column, write "Negative Thoughts." At the top of the right column, write, "Positive Reconstructions." Keep this paper with you and each time you notice a negative thought, belief, or attitude write it down in the left column. The act of writing down your thoughts will make you more aware of them, and can prevent them from leading you into a negative pattern or depressed mood. Then, in the right column, generate several ways to counteract that thought and reframe it using positive self- statements.

Example: Negative thought: "I'm never going to run faster."
Positive reconstruction: "As I train, my body and mind are growing stronger and healthier every day."

Positive Affirmations
My mind is open to new possibilities.
I see the positive side to everything that happens.
I can easily turn negatives into positives.
There are no limits to my imagination.
I am choosing to do my best.
I have a healthy, positive self-image.
I am a strong, powerful athlete.
I can see it, and I will achieve it.
My goals are well within my capabilities.
Where my mind goes, my energy will follow.