Gymnastics is an incredibly demanding sport both physically and mentally. The drive and the tenacity required to master this sport is one of the reasons that makes gymnastics so fascinating.

However, there are times when all gymnasts feel like they want to give up and quit. But not every gymnast does. So how do you push through the hard times and the plateaus? Here are 4 tips for gymnasts who are feeling discouraged.

1. Set Realistic Goals

One of the reasons why gymnasts get discouraged is because they have expectations that are too high. While it’s crucial to have long-term objectives, you must also set smaller, achievable goals to help you stay motivated along the way.

Setting realistic goals will allow you to acknowledge your progress and help you continue to work towards your long-term objectives.

2. Find a Supportive Coach and Team

It’s really hard to achieve success without a good coach and team to support and guide you.

Your coach should be someone who will constructively criticize your performances when necessary, offer encouragement when you need it, and create a positive atmosphere where you can succeed. Surrounding yourself with teammates who push you to be your best is another invaluable asset you can get from sports.

They can provide a listening ear when you want to vent, help you to stay motivated, and give you advice from a different perspective when required.

3. Develop a Strong Work Ethic

Success in gymnastics demands a strong work ethic and dedication. You’ll need to put in the hours even when you feel unmotivated or want to give up. To keep yourself motivated, develop a daily routine and stick to it.

Set sensible expectations for the number of hours you’ll work each week, focusing on individual strength and conditioning exercises, gymnastics skills, and flexibility training. With a strong work ethic, the hard work will pay off eventually, and you can see progress faster than you might expect.

4. Adopt a Positive Mindset

Gymnastics is not only a physical sport, but it’s also mentally draining. When things don’t go according to plan, you can feel extremely discouraged and experience mental barriers, such as loss of confidence, fear of failure, and self-doubt.

That’s why it’s important to adopt a positive mindset so that you can overcome these barriers when they arise. Be careful with your internal monologue and visualize yourself achieving success. Avoid thinking negatively and instead, focus on what you can do to identify the areas you need to improve in, and take steps to work on them.

Discouragement is a natural part of sport, and gymnastics is no exception. It’s okay to momentarily feel defeated.

However, always remember that you’re not alone and that success is possible if you remain persistent and keep striving for your objectives. In the end, it’s the gymnasts who don’t surrender who achieve their goals.