Monday Motivation: The Power of Consistency in Wrestling and Being the Best Teammate
by Jon Gums – Dakota Grappler
Consistency—it’s a word that gets thrown around a lot in sports, but what does it truly mean, especially in wrestling? In its simplest form, consistency is about showing up, putting in the work, and giving your best effort, day in and day out, even when the going gets tough. It’s about pushing through the grind, sticking to your routines, and making sure your actions align with your goals. As a wrestler, consistency isn’t just about becoming the best athlete you can be; it’s also about being the best teammate possible.
What is Consistency?
Consistency means maintaining a steady and disciplined approach toward training, technique, and performance, regardless of the challenges that come your way. It’s the little things you do each day that add up to big gains over time. In wrestling, this could mean committing to your practice schedule, continuously honing your skills, focusing on your nutrition, and staying mentally tough, even when you’re tired or feel like giving up.
Why Consistency is Important
- Builds Habits: Consistency helps turn actions into habits, making it easier to stay disciplined. When you practice the same moves repeatedly, your body begins to perform them almost automatically, leading to better performance during matches.
- Develops Discipline: Success in wrestling doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, perseverance, and a lot of discipline. Staying consistent in your efforts builds that discipline, which will help you in both wrestling and life.
- Creates a Winning Mindset: Consistency isn’t just about physical effort; it’s a mental game, too. Developing a winning mindset means believing in your abilities and staying focused on your long-term goals, no matter the setbacks you face.
- Inspires Teammates: Being consistent also means being reliable, and that’s a quality every great teammate possesses. Your dedication and commitment to improvement not only make you better but also inspire those around you to raise their own game.
Steps to Build Consistency and Create a Winning Mindset
- Set Clear Goals: Start by setting specific, measurable goals for your wrestling journey. These could be technical skills to master, conditioning targets, or even a goal to support your teammates better. Knowing exactly what you’re working toward helps keep you focused and motivated.
- Develop a Routine: Create a daily or weekly routine that incorporates your workouts, drills, nutrition, and rest. The more consistent your schedule, the easier it is to build good habits. Sticking to a routine helps your mind and body adapt to the rhythm of hard work.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a training log to track your daily progress. Write down what you did well, where you struggled, and what you learned. This will help you stay accountable to yourself and remind you of how far you’ve come.
- Focus on Small Wins: Consistency is about the little victories. Celebrate the small wins, like improving a technique, sticking to your diet, or encouraging a teammate during a tough practice. These small moments add up to a big impact over time.
- Embrace the Grind: Understand that not every day will be perfect. There will be days when you don’t feel like training or when you struggle to keep up. Embrace these days as part of the process. The hard days are when your character and dedication are truly tested.
- Support Your Teammates: Being consistent isn’t just about you—it’s about your team. Show up for your teammates, both on and off the mat. Encourage them during practice, help them with techniques, and push them to give their best. The effort you put into supporting others will come back to you tenfold.
- Stay Positive and Keep Pushing: Wrestling is a mentally demanding sport. Staying positive, even when you face setbacks, will help you stay consistent in your efforts. A winning mindset isn’t just about the victories—it’s about how you handle the defeats and learn from them.
Creating a Legacy of Consistency
In wrestling, the most respected athletes aren’t always the most talented—they’re the ones who show up, give their best, and inspire others to do the same. When you commit to being consistent, you set an example for your team, showing that success is earned through hard work and persistence. Your efforts on the mat today will set the tone for tomorrow’s victories.
Remember, consistency is not just about the moments of triumph but the journey itself. It’s the sweat you pour into each practice, the sacrifices you make, and the relentless drive to become a better wrestler and a better teammate. Whether you win or lose, the true champion is the one who never stops showing up.
Today’s Motivation: Stay consistent, not just for yourself but for your team. Be the teammate who shows up, who never gives up, and who lifts others up. That’s how champions are made.
If you have missed my other “Motivation Monday” articles here are the links to this year’s articles.
Turning Up the Intensity in Pre-Season Training: A Guide for Wrestlers and Coaches Sept 30th
Motivation Monday Speech: Full Steam Ahead Sept 23rd
Monday Motivation for the Mat: Attack with Purpose and Lead by Example Sept 16th
Monday Motivation for the Mat Sept 9th
