This week’s discussion point from me is about belief in self. Life throws up good times and bad times, excitement and the mundane, great opportunities and lost ones too, and the same could also be said for paddling. Attitude can be everything and – joined together with motivation and determination – can be that driving catalyst to gain and make the absolute most of a paddle, a training day, an improvers course, saving for that longed for equipment, steps taken for increased health & fitness and the attainment of a multitude of personal goals.Belief in self is an incredible force that can empower us, lead us to the pathways that our hearts desire, help us to push our boundaries and get us to where we want to be and have that little voice in our heads that says I CAN and I WILL!!

Do you agree? Is self-belief enough? Can we really go it alone or do we need the support of others to mentally really get us there? What about too much self-belief – could this lead us astray towards making poor choices or decisions and taking the wrong pathways?

What motivates and drives you to be the best you can in paddlesport, to grab those opportunities and reach your potentials? Are you on your pathway right now in achieving your paddle goals? Where could you have been or thinking how a paddle experience or situation could have been different if you had only had that little bit more self-belief? Do you feel that something is lacking in your ability to believe in yourself? How could that be changed positively? What do you feel you need? Where has your self-belief led you in paddlesport?