Overcoming Weaknesses

by Marilyn Chychota McDonald

The first step to overcoming any weakness is having the ability to recognize it. Most of us are pretty tough on ourselves so we can create a huge list of things we want to improve. An actual weakness is slightly different, and it's sometimes hard to identify exactly what it is.

Some questions to ask:

Is it mental?
Is it physical?
Is it a missing skill?
Can it be changed?
If it can be changed, how can you address it?

Accept that a weakness is only a limiter and it can be changed. Too often I see people give up on weak areas and assume it's part of their athletic profiles, rather than find the necessary steps to change that piece of their profiles to improve.

For me, in cycling I came from a start where it was straight roads or trainer riding. My fitness level of cycling developed much greater than my skill level. I realized very quickly that any technical descending was costing me race placings in both cycling and triathlon events.

First was recognizing it was a skill that could be learned.
Next was breaking it down to a level I could learn and understand.
Once I understood the new skill it was applying it at a pace and in an environment I felt comfortable. This is key to building confidence and feel for the new skill.
Then it was applying it under pressure.

I couldn't skip any of these steps and neither can you if you want to truly correct a weakness. Finding good teachers and not putting timelines on your learning process is key.

Nobody comes into a sport with every piece of the puzzle complete. Always keep searching for your areas of weakness and develop a plan to change that area.

Strive to be the best complete package you can be, have the courage to recognize it and the patience to change.

Marilyn is now accepting applications for 2013 coaching slots. You can contact her via e-mail.
Marilyn McDonald has been in elite sport since the age of 9, from show jumping to cycling and triathlon. Competing on an international stage in all three sports with an Ironman title, several podiums and state championships in cycling, Marilyn works with all distance and level of triathletes and cyclists. From beginners to elites; short course, bike racing, stage racing and long course triathlon, she has guided several athletes to the podium and to Hawaii qualifications.