The mental side of this sport- confession time

<p>After doing much soul searching these past few months I've realized that in my desire to be perfect, I don't take challenges and I go for only what I know I can do. But what is perfect and does it even exist?</p>
<p>I think it was way easier to have a definition of perfection on the mound (strikes vs balls), or on the court (free-throws or steals or jump shots), but triathlon seems to be a totally different animal.  I am realizing that there really isn't such a thing as perfetion and that this drive to find it has severely limited me in my workouts and my races. </p>
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<p>So this year my mantra has become- take the challenge, not the easy road.  This may seem simple to some but it's been a huge eye opener for me.  This past Wednesday I had team swim and I was seriously dreading it.  I'm still recovering from bronchitis and all that and it would only be my second time back in the pool.  I stewed about it, got into the car and went.  What happened because I took that challenge?  I led my lane, kept us on pace for the 2,000m workout and when it was all said and done, my teammates called me their fearless leader.  I went home on cloud nine.  I took that challenge, I did not quit, I believed in myself and others believed in me. </p>
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<p>So how about you guys?  What mantra or state of mind do you use? </p>
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