Nutrition is a subject familiar to all athletes. When the proper amounts of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate) are consumed, the body can achieve maximal physical function. The same is true for the mind, but mental nutrition involves more than just the food we eat. Three more “macronutrients” necessary for optimal mental health are defined by CrossFit Trainer and Law Enforcement Liaison Greg Amundson as “positive tense” thoughts, optimism, and encouragement.
Just as the body is fueled by the foods we eat, thoughts and words fuel the mind. When our thoughts and words are positive, encouraging, and optimistic our minds can achieve a state of mental fitness optimal for governing our actions and our habits, which ultimately define our characters. If by the grace of God we can order our positive thoughts, words, and deeds by the light of the Catholic faith, we will not only acquire mental fitness, but will also shape our characters for the destiny intended by God.
Think for a moment of a person who has accomplished something great—an athlete, a student, an entrepreneur, or a saint. Although what each achieved is different, they all share common characteristics. They are hard workers who possess a positive, “can do” attitude. They are not easily discouraged, and they persevere despite failures. How do they do it?
Just as practice improves physical capability, there are simple strategies that can improve mental fitness—primarily, the practice of positive first thoughts and words. Upon awakening, we end the longest period of silence of the day. The mind is quiet and refreshed from sleep. When our first thoughts are positive, encouraging, and optimistic, we cultivate a healthy attitude to continue through the remainder of the day. The same may be said at day’s end. Final thoughts and words that echo those of the morning, with gratitude and thanksgiving for the day, are the best preparation for peaceful rest.
CrossFit can also contribute to mental fitness. In fact, Coach Glassman believes that “the greatest adaptation to CrossFit takes place between the ears.” In his article, “Forging Elite Fitness,” Amundson takes Glassman’s 10 components of fitness, applying each to a mental adaptation elicited by CrossFit workouts. Power, for example, is the ability to encourage oneself and others in the pursuit of a worthy goal and generate intense motivation and positive expectancy. Mental endurance is maintaining confidence in oneself and others, and stamina is sustaining intense focus and resilience. Mental coordination is the ability to invoke the most productive emotional response at a given time and place. Speed and accuracy involve making immediate command decisions and goals in the face of opposition and uncertainty, and strength is the sustained resolve to follow through once the decision is made. Flexibility, agility, and balance all involve adapting positively, both mentally and emotionally, regardless of external stimuli or challenges. All ten aspects of mental fitness involve positive, encouraging, optimistic thinking. Every WOD, every lift is an opportunity to progress in fitness both mentally and physically.