Mental Training Through Physical Suffering
“The hardship of the exercise is intended less to strengthen the back than to toughen the mind.”
Hard physical training gives direct access to the mindset of an individual. Will they keep pushing? Will they complain? Will they quit? How hard can they go when everything in their body is screaming at them? Subjecting oneself to such training is one of the best ways to forge mental strength and toughness. Not just tests at extremely high-intensities, but long, enduring events as well. As a coach, I occasionally throw in "tests" for people wishing to be a high level CrossFitter. These tests are not designed to enhance their physical qualities on that particular day (though they might) but to see how much they are willing to suffer. This, in turn, increases their mental resilience and "hardens their mind to pain." These tests are not intended to be cruel but to elicit a mental adaptation that is necessary to perform at high levels in this sport. This does not need to be reserved for high-level athletes, however. Every person can benefit from pushing themselves to and past their limits with physical training. Know that it will suck at the time and there is no way around it, but the outcome is well worth the struggle. Go out, pick something that is hard to do, and then do it.