I can only control what I do when I go compete.
Most people would focus on concentrating more, and I can't do that. It almost makes me overthink a lot of my things. I have to focus on not thinking.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the idea that overthinking can hinder performance, and one should learn to let go and focus on being in the moment.
Simone Biles highlights the paradox of concentration, where attempting to focus too hard can lead to overthinking, which can be detrimental to performance. Instead, she suggests that the key to her success lies in the ability to quiet her mind, allowing her instincts to take over without the burden of excessive thought. This approach emphasizes the importance of mental clarity and the value of a relaxed state of mind in high-pressure situations.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech for athletes to encourage them to trust their abilities.
More from Simone Biles
All quotes βI always say my biggest competitor is myself because, whenever I step out there on the mat, I'm competing against myself to prove that I can do this and that I am very well trained, prepared for it.
It was a very long and hard decision. My dad kept telling me, 'You can always go to college, but you can't always go pro.' That made sense to me.
Always work hard and have fun in what you do because I think that's when you're more successful. You have to choose to do it.
We've always had each other's backs in and out of competition. We support each other the most because we're the only ones that know what it's like to go through what we do, and so we can't be more thankful for each other. We're like sisters.
A successful competition for me is always going out there and putting 100 percent into whatever I'm doing. It's not always winning. People, I think, mistake that it's just winning. Sometimes it could be, but for me, it's hitting the best sets I can, gaining confidence, and having a good time and having fun.
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