I'm the best!

There are so many similarities between music and triathlon; I sometimes feel silly continuing to use the same comparison. But, since practicing and training pretty much dictate my life, I guess it makes sense that they are the focus of my thoughts as well.

My high school flute teacher (and one I've continued to sporadically study from since) won every single audition he ever took. This is not normal. At a typical audition, there will be anywhere from 100-200 flute players looking to land a single spot in an orchestra. No matter how good you are, it's almost impossible to win, and then to win every time? Without fail? It's unheard of.

As the impressionable 16 year old that I was, I idolized my teacher. I memorized everything he said and followed it as gospel; it was hero worship to a fault.

And so of course I remember perfectly what he said when I asked him how he achieved such consistency. I remember talking about how I was worried about college auditions and was wondering how I would ever be admitted anywhere. The music field is cutthroat; even at that stage there might be 3-4 spots for 60 applicants. I was confident in my flutistic ability, but anyone thinking about those odds has to feel some doubt.

So, when I expressed that uncertainty to Mr. Khaner, he shook his head and looked at me like I was crazy. He said, 'You can't think about it like that. You have to go in there, look at all the other flute players standing around, and then think to yourself "Man, I feel sorry for all these other flutists who aren't going to get into this school; they aren't going to get in because I will."'

And he was serious. He really thought that. He went into every audition knowing that he would win, and win he did.

Believing in yourself isn't the end-all, be-all, but it certainly does help. If you're the best flutist, the fastest triathlete in the world, it won't matter unless you also believe in your mind and in your soul that you are, in fact, the best.

The winners of any race know that they can win. It's not an accident, it's not just chance. Those people standing on the podium go into the race absolutely positive that they have the ability to win. Whether or not it happens is kind of inconsequential; the winners know that they have the capability, and sooner or later it'll happen. If they keep going, if they keep believing, they will conquer what they set out to achieve.

Now, I'm the first to admit that I'm not the best. I'm not the best flute player, and I'm certainly not the best triathlete. It would be stupid and ignorant to believe otherwise. But, I still think this 'I'm the best' philosophy can be applied to us mere mortals.

Whatever your goals are, whether they be winning the race, achieving a new PR, or simply finishing, if you believe in yourself, your chances are infinitely higher. So, go on...say it with me...

"I'm the best!"

And now, don't just say it...let it soak into your consciousness, stick it on a post-it on your mirror if you need. (I did when preparing for those college auditions, and you know what? I was accepted to one of the best schools in the country.)

Believing won't take the place of preparation (yes, training is still necessary), but truly having faith in oneself is invaluable. It's not as easy as it sounds; it might even be harder than the century rides and marathons and even IronMan races, but in the grand scheme, it'll bring you so much further than any of those things. It's the intangible that will allow for the tangible.

I know it's corny and kind of a self-help overload, but that doesn't make it less true...

Believe in yourself. You're the best.