The Fortitude Chronicle: A Weekly Digest of Athletic Determination

Monday’s Mindset

Why Language Shapes Excellence

I've been thinking about language lately. Not in the abstract sense that linguists might, but in the practical way it shapes our lives and work. This is especially true for top performers and athletes.

Most people don't pay much attention to the words they use. They talk and think in whatever phrases come naturally. But language isn't just a way to describe reality; it actively shapes it.

Consider how you talk about your training. Do you "have to practice" or do you "get to hone your skills"? It's a small shift, but it changes everything. The first phrase makes training sound like a chore. The second frames it as an opportunity.

This matters because our brains are pattern-matching machines. They look for evidence to support whatever we tell them. If you constantly say "I have to practice," your brain will find reasons why practice is unpleasant. Say "I get to hone my skills," and suddenly you'll notice the enjoyable aspects of training.

But it goes deeper than that. The language we use shapes our belief systems. And beliefs are the foundation of exceptional performance.

Think about Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile. For years, it was considered impossible. Then Bannister did it, and within weeks, others followed. The barrier wasn't physical; it was mental. Once people believed it was possible, it became possible.

This is where language becomes crucial. To achieve anything exceptional, you need to believe it's possible. And to believe it's possible, you need to be able to articulate it clearly.

This isn't about empty positivity. It's about creating a mental framework that supports growth and resilience. Instead of saying "I've hit my limit," try "I'm exploring the edges of my current abilities." The first phrase closes the door. The second keeps it open.

Elite performers understand this intuitively. They're careful with their words because they know words become thoughts, thoughts become beliefs, and beliefs become actions.

But here's the thing: changing your language isn't easy. Our habitual phrases are deeply ingrained. It takes conscious effort to shift them.

Start by paying attention to your go-to phrases, especially when facing challenges. Look for opportunities to refine your language. Be precise. Be growth-oriented. Be honest about difficulties, but frame them as opportunities to improve.

Over time, these small shifts add up. Your brain starts to rewire itself. You become more resilient, more adaptable, more focused on growth and possibility.

This isn't just about sports or business performance. It applies to any area of life where you want to excel. The language you use shapes your experience of the world.

So pay attention to your words. Choose them carefully. Use language that pushes you forward, that challenges you to grow. It won't make the work easier, but it will make it more meaningful. And in the end, that's what creates true excellence.

Two Quotes

1. "Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny." - Aristotle

2. "Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most." - Augusta F. Kantra

Three Tweets

To Building Fortitude.

 Best Regards,

Colin Jonov, Founder & CEO Athletic Fortitude