How can a proactive mindset affect your performance?

In this blog, I reflect on my performance at the IXS European Cup in Maribor and share my top tips on how to ignite a proactive mindset.

My excitement levels were high after a long 20-hour drive to the IXS European Cup in Maribor, Slovenia. My mindset was good. I was in a proactive state; excited and ready to go racing, but also controlled and focused… until I allowed it to shift.

Once I arrived, I kept getting moved to different camp spots. I experienced bad weather and other logistical problems. I was having to react to everything, which is okay because I had to at that time, but my mistake was allowing that reactive mindset to take over and attach itself to my racing/performance. As I let negative circumstances cloud my mindset, I didn’t have the clarity or energy to be able to focus on my preparation or performance.  Therefore, when I was riding, I found myself reacting to everything and surviving rather than taking control, riding my bike as fast as I can and commanding the end result.

What does a proactive and reactive mindset mean?

Proactive Mindset

• Being intentional

• Focusing on the things that can be controlled

• Being the person you want to be

• Having a growth mindset

• Taking control of your thoughts and actions.

Reactive Mindset

• Letting circumstances and outcomes take control

• Not taking initiative

• Having a fixed mindset

• Lacking intention

• Being negative

How did choosing to have a proactive mindset improve my performance?

I took action! I decided how I wanted to perform, how to act, and what to think. This resulted in achieving 15th place and then 4th place in the race after. As you can see from the first race where I was in a reactive mindset, I came 41st, and after being very mindful and intentional in applying a proactive mindset, my results improved drastically. 

4th place at IXS Downhill Cup Winterberg, Germany

5 questions you can ask yourself to trigger your proactive mindset.

1. How would my best self react?

2. How can I make the most out of this situation?

3. What can and can’t I control?

4. What thoughts and feelings do I want to feel?

5. Am I being proactive or reactive right now?

So how can you be more intentional and proactive with your thoughts and actions?

Did you find this blog useful? I would really love to know what you think. You can reach me on all of my social media handles below.