Welcome back to our continuing series on how gratitude can make you a better athlete. In our previous post, we looked at how gratitude can help you turn a tough loss or an injury into motivation to work harder or help you become a mentor. By merely expressing thanks for the good things in your life, you can improve your performance on the mat. A recent study found that athletes who expressed gratitude showed an increased feeling of overall satisfaction with their life. If you’re searching for the best Raleigh jiu jitsu, muay thai, MMA, or self defense training, we can help you. Call Gracie Raleigh today.

Gratitude Makes You a Better Athlete

Athletes who expressed gratitude regularly also experienced:

Better Sleep
Scientists have found that taking just 15 minutes a night to make a list of all the things you are grateful for will help you feel less worried and help you sleep longer and more deeply. If you’re feeling keyed up before a big fight or are feeling anxious about training in a new discipline, turning your thoughts to the things you are grateful for can help.

Greater Self-Esteem and Satisfaction
Feeling satisfied with your life boosts your self-esteem and confidence. Being sure of yourself and confident translates to success in every aspect of your life. For athletes, being confident in the ring with an opponent can lead to a win. Being confident in training gives you the courage to try something new or push yourself further. Practicing being grateful daily can improve your athletic ability. Gratitude helps you reframe challenges and setbacks as ways to better yourself or to become a mentor for an up and coming athlete.

Thank Your Competition
Being grateful to those you compete against isn’t just a formality or part of good social manners. Expressing gratitude to your opponents shows them respect and allows you to focus on how that person has motivated you to train harder or elevated the level at which you wish to compete. Embracing your competitors and being grateful for them will help you be more successful.

Spending time each day finding things you are grateful for can help improve your overall performance and your satisfaction in your life. Start by writing down the things you are grateful for at bedtime. Throughout the day, take time to think about people, situations, and skills that make you feel grateful. Once you develop a habit of gratitude, you’ll be practicing gratefulness all the time.

Raleigh Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and More!

At Gracie Raleigh, we are grateful to work with some of the area’s best martial arts coaches. Whether you are looking to start martial arts training for the very first time or are ready to take your skills to the next level, the Gracie Raleigh team can help. Parents, now is a great time to enroll your child for winter martial arts classes at Gracie. With us, there is no contract for your child’s martial arts instruction. We know kids change their minds and we believe you shouldn’t be stuck paying for lessons you’re not using.

Call or come by the gym today and learn more about Raleigh jiu jitsu classes and sign up for your free classes!