I've been in a poor physical shape many times in my career and I've had some of my best results. My best performances happened because my mind was in the right place. The mind is definitely stronger than the body.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I think if you exercise, your state of mind - my state of mind - is usually more at ease, ready for more mental challenges. Once I get the physical stuff out of the way it always seems like I have more calmness and better self-esteem.
You need to think outside the box. You need to think differently if you want to sustain what, for me, is my peak performance: the very best that I can achieve as an athlete every day.
In my opinion, the power of the mind in sport is vital. If you can overpower those physical risks mentally, you can get your body round it physically. I've made my body do things because of my mind that it shouldn't have been able to do.
I explain to athletes, you're supposed to be a well-oiled machine. You're supposed to be in better shape than the people watching you. You're supposed to be an unbelievable specimen of a human being. You have to treat your body different while you're performing.
Your mind and soul are the kings of your physique way more than any exercise you do.
The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.
I was probably in the best shape of any athlete at the time, but you don't get to pass judgment on yourself.
When you're strong physically, it improves your strength in every other facet of your life. You're more confident, your self-esteem is higher, and your self image is better.
I've always been in good shape. I just sucked early in my career from a statistical perspective.
As long as my body is in shape, my mind is working at its full capacity.