Consistency from your body originates from consistency in your mind. Listen to this again - if you want consistency from your body, you must have consistency in your mind. This means that if you put in a consistent daily effort in your training, you will achieve consistent, solid results in your meets.
This is not always easy. There will always be occasional training days when you will feel less inspired, less strong or less energized than you normally would - but the key is to put in the same amount of mental and physical anyway, regardless of how you feel. It was said at the end of the Sydney 2000 Olympics that this was the true secret behind Susie O'Neill's success - it came from mental and physical consistency in her daily training.
Of course, this is not to say that you should do try to do this if you're feeling ill, but assuming that you are feel physically OK, always try to put in a similar consistent effort each day, physically and also mentally. This routines your mind into 'expecting' consistency in your results, and this will begin to be reflected in your results at the meets as well. Basically what I am saying is to make consistency a daily habit, not just something you hope will happen on the day of a big meet. If you make consistency a 'way of life', then you will know what to expect when you go out to a meet, instead of wondering what results your body is going to bring you that day!
They say success lies in our daily habits, and this is so true - your training is the key to your success, so use it wisely. Your attitude each day is going to reflect your results in the meets, so how is your attitude today? Are you ready to put in a strong, consistent effort? If consistency is what you want in the meets, this is what you have to do. Make success a habit - a daily habit. This way you can't miss at the meets, your success will be assured.
The Mind controls the body, and the mind is unlimited. The best of success,
Craig Townsend
