For pole vaulters, it's a reminder that by creating space from the situation like a bar falling down or a run-through, we can choose how we respond. When we have the power to choose our response, that's when we start to develop our super powers.
The full quote goes as follows.
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
- Viktor E Frankl - Mans Search for Meaning (amazing book!)
Mental Health Reminder
It allows you to make better decisions, manage your emotions, and develop resilience to setbacks. All of which can help you vault higher!
This is from one of my all-time favorite books called Mans Search for Meaning. Viktor E Frankl was a psychologist who was placed in the concentration camps. During his time as a prisoner, he not only survived but through a psychologist's lens, watched his mind and the minds and behaviors of the people around him in these awful conditions.
One key thing he discovered is that "Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
Personally, this not only helped as a pole vaulter, but in every aspect of life. I've found that the more I practice, the bigger that space gets.
Besides looking awesome here are three ways to use this band as a tool to vault higher
1. Give it a snap!
As pole vaulters, we tend to get in our heads a lot. After talking to many sports psychologists and mental health experts, keeping the mind and the body in the same place can improve performance.
When you notice your mind in the future or the past, give the band a little snap to bring the mind and body back together, take a deep breath and focus on the sensation for 15-30 seconds. The mind and body work best when they're working together!
2. Switch Wrists
This one comes from Sports Psychology guru Robert Andrews. As athletes, we can be incredibly self-critical. One way to help with negative or critical thoughts is by bringing awareness to these thoughts.
When you notice negative self-talk, switch the band to the other wrist. You might find yourself doing this 100 times on the first day, which is good!
Over time you'll develop more awareness of these thoughts which breaks the stream and lessons the negative chatter. As you can imagine, your performance will improve as you lessen the chatter of the bully in your mind.
3. Grounding
A common PTSD technique to help “Get out of your head” when we have big emotions and difficult thoughts that create an internal storm. This can be especially true when moving up poles, competing at big meets, or attempting something you've never done.
The technique is to find 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste. You can use the bands colors, patterns, and textures to help.
Grounding can help calm the storm. It's easier to vault in the sun with a killer tailwind!
Keep your focus and stay on track with this Pole Vault band. Made with a cloth elastic for a comfortable fit. Perfect for pole vaulters of all levels, this bracelet is a great way to show your passion for the sport or to send as a gift.
Features:
- Durable materials
- Suitable for all levels
- Sizing - S/M fits 85% of all people.
Price: $9.99
Shipping: Free shipping on all domestic orders over $60
