Dealing with injuries while maintaining a positive mindset can feel like battling a fire-breathing dragon: the task may seem daunting or impossible, and it’s easy to lose our fighting spirit and give up. Yet, cultivating a positive mindset provides the edge needed to ultimately slay the dragon of injury.

In martial arts and life, injuries can prevent us from doing what we love, but with the right mindset, we can overcome the setbacks and continue to improve in our chosen art.

Maintaining a positive mindset during recovery can be challenging. I’ve practiced Muay Thai for over seven years, during which I’ve faced three surgeries. My journey toward positivity was sparked by my most recent surgery. 

The first involved my right Achilles tendon, where a bone spur had caused damage. The procedure required removing the spur and repairing the tendon. Although the recovery process should have been quicker, my eagerness to return to training and work led me to push myself too hard, extending my recovery to nearly a year instead of just a few months.

The second surgery happened at no fault of my own — I jokingly blame my appendix. Initially, I thought my stomach issues would resolve with medication, but I eventually learned that I needed an appendectomy. 

Looking back, I can laugh at the memory of telling my doctor I’d schedule the surgery for the following week, only to be told that my life was at risk if I delayed. That night, I underwent the procedure.

My third surgery felt strange as I had to undergo the same procedure as earlier, but on my left Achilles tendon. Two thoughts crossed my mind: first, I would recover properly this time; and second, I was determined to stay active and maintain a positive mindset during my recovery.

[Recovery Techniques for Athletes: Rest, Sleep and Injury Rehab]

Any injury can take a toll on our positivity, especially when we’re progressing in their martial arts journey. A mindset shapes how we perceive and respond to challenges and opportunities. If our mind is set on defeating the fire-breathing dragon, no matter the obstacles, we will find a way to slay it.

As I write this, it’s been a month since my last surgery, and by the time you read this, it will be two months. Throughout this recovery period, I have successfully managed to keep a positive outlook, and this is how:

The first step in developing a positive mindset is choosing to have one.

By reframing the injury positively, our attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions shift toward improvement, allowing us to stay active. For anyone, martial artist or not, remaining active is essential for maintaining a positive attitude.

While it’s crucial to take injuries seriously, overemphasizing them can drain the joy from life. Finding ways to have fun while injured creates memorable moments and brings enjoyment to the present. Although injuries can be painful and time-consuming to recover from, we can find joy in discovering new activities or approaches they inspire.

Choice is a powerful word. It grants us the ability to exercise our free will and navigate the paths we wish to travel.

When faced with a fire-breathing dragon, the first step is to confront it despite fear and doubt. Making that choice can lead to bravery — vital to overcoming injuries. 

Positivity comes naturally to some, while others find it challenging. The goal is not to seek perfection — a trap when trying to maintain a positive mindset. Positivity doesn’t mean always smiling or pretending nothing is wrong. It’s important to process and acknowledge the myriad of feelings that arise when dealing with an injury.

Journaling, talking with friends and family, and communicating with coaches can help us navigate these emotions. Choosing to focus on the positive can lead to discovering the most beautiful parts of our soul, the ones that bring life and joy to our situation.

[Find Guidance Anywhere With Shoshin Mindset]

The second step is remaining active by employing creativity

Choosing to face the dragon is one thing; slaying it is another. If you focus solely on what you cannot do, every obstacle will bring disappointment and pain. However, if you concentrate on what you can do, opportunities for growth present themselves.

Accepting the limitations imposed by an injury is crucial for recovery. While healing, you can often find ways to stay active without straining the injured area. Embracing these limitations allows your body to heal while fostering creativity as you maintain physical activity.

My colorful disclaimer and advice: combining creativity with smart training is like a knight wielding a sword and shield against the dragon.

The shield, training smart while injured, protects the injury; creativity becomes the knight’s sword, allowing you to remain active in ways that accommodate your injury. (Always consult your doctor about what activities are manageable.)

Being creative with physical activity during recovery can uplift your entire being. This creativity begins with setting goals. When facing an injury, aim for “better than yesterday!”

Whether it’s one extra step, one more leg raise, or one additional push-up, every small victory counts.

With my left leg unable to bear full weight, I’ve adapted my routine to include 200 push-ups on my knees and 200 sit-ups daily. In kickboxing classes, I practice punches from my knees in front of a bag. Accepting limitations doesn’t mean halting creativity.

[Wellness: How to Stay Healthy with Martial Arts]

Join us in the gift of giving!

Easton’s Annual Holiday
Gift Drive 2024

Now - December 16

It’s that time of year where we do our annual Easton Training Center Kids Holiday Gift Drive benefitting the Children’s Hospital! To participate, please select a gift form the list below and bring it to your academy unwrapped by Monday, December 16.

The power of a reframe

Injuries can seem daunting, but viewing them through the lens of fun can transform the experience into something delightful.

“It just takes time,” often carries a heavy connotation, making recovery seem out of reach. While healing does take time, it doesn’t have to be boring.

Human beings thrive on engagement and joy. Finding fun during recovery looks different for everyone — whether it’s playing video games, writing, or binge-watching your favorite shows.

Reflecting on why you fell in love with martial arts can also reignite your passion. Write about it, sing about it, talk to someone who shares your enthusiasm.

Enjoy martial arts competitions not just as learning opportunities but as sources of joy. If your injury permits, train without worrying about how you appear. Celebrate every win, big or small, throughout your recovery process. Embrace the strength you’re building and appreciate the moments of rest. Most importantly, celebrate the gift of breath in your lungs.

“I’m not broken; I’m recovering.”

This statement reinforces a positive mindset. It emphasizes the power of choice, reminds us that we can still be active despite injuries, and encourages us to find joy in the journey. A positive mindset empowers individuals to improve in their martial art of choice and ultimately slay the dragon of injury.

[Stretching for Recovery, Performance and Injury Prevention]