We all know that the World Championships is the Mecca for cheerleading and I mean, who wouldn't want to compete and represent their country at Walt Disney World, in sunny Orlando, Florida? All of us, right?!
Well, not every cheerleader has the opportunity to do so and maybe it is because they aren't the strongest base, or they're going through a mental block or recovering from an injury... the reasons are endless. But today is your lucky day.
We've sat down with our team and discussed the FOUR most important lessons ALL athletes should abide by in order to be the best athlete they can possibly be no matter the skill, mental block or injury. And do you want to know the best part? They require absolutely no skill! That's right, no skills are needed what so ever! So what are you waiting for?!
POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Positive thinking can change the world and definitely the outcome of your routine. If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't. A simple 'WE WILL HIT THIS ROUTINE' can make the world of difference. And we promise you, your positive thinking never goes unnoticed by your coaches and team mates. They see it. Positive athletes are what a coach is after. And like mentioned, there's no skill required. Just you and your mind. Use it to your advantage!
Here's some ways you can switch your mindset:
Swap 'I can't' for 'I can'
Swap 'this is too hard' for 'I will try my best and if it doesn't work, I will try again'
Swap 'I'm not good enough' for 'I may not be the best, but I'm going to give it my all'
Follow this one rule: Don't say anything to yourself, that you wouldn't say to anyone else.
FIERCE DEDICATION
Dedication takes sacrifice, commitment and love for what you do. Success doesn't come overnight. Stay dedicated to yourself, to your coaches, to your team. The athlete with 100% dedication and commitment to their team will go far. Live and breathe for our sport. Your passion and drive inspires others to do the same.
Dedication doesn't have a time off. Set goals, write them down, remember your why, hold yourself accountable and get your team involved. The sweat, the tears, the pain, it all pays off. Keep going. Keep inspiring.
CONSISTENT HARD WORK
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. That's right! Talent doesn't always work in your favour, but do you know what does? HARD WORK
Remember this saying you were always told as a kid: 'slow and steady wins the race'? Exactly our point. Your pure talent will only get you so far, and yes, for some people that is far enough. But to truly be the best you can be, it takes hard work. And lots of it. Stay behind after practice to work on your weakest skill, workout at home, eat healthy, sleep well, visualise hitting a perfect routine. Do whatever you can, whenever you can to better yourself.
ELITE MINDSET
Adapt an Elite Mindset. What is it exactly? Follow these principles:
There is always room for improvement. No one is ever too good.
Do what you do on purpose, with a purpose.
Remember little steps one day become big steps. Slow and steady.
Learn to love the process. Don't just focus on the results. Life is a journey and so is cheerleading.
Embrace the bordem of repetition. Consistency is key.
Learn from failure. You will fail your way to success.
As simple as that.
So there we have it! That is our top four tips for becoming a Worlds level athlete! Have you got what it takes? Let us know in the comments section what your favourite tip is!
Happy Practicing Epic Athletes <3
Check out our favourite Australian World Championship routines below: