All athletes experience setbacks - whether it's a plateau, slump or injury. Mentally tough athletes work to perceive these times as challenges as opposed to failures. This is the time for avoiding outcome goals (times, finishes, rankings) and focusing on the process (training, technique, nutrition, dry land). It is also the time to stay present focused and remembering why you do your sport - for the majority it isn't fame and fortune!

Sometimes we need to give ourselves a little emotional first aid to move the process along. What would you tell a teammate in the same challenging situation? Give yourself that same feedback, take a breath and MOVE ON!