I used to go to the bathroom minutes before every race.

I’d dart off of the track right before I had to check-in so I could get rid of my nerves and make sure I was running on empty.

It was my routine. It helped me clear my mind and make sure that I was physically in the best possible condition to compete.

But then I ran into a problem.

The biggest meets aren’t like the weekly two-team meets that I had gotten used to. Sign-in wasn’t seconds before the race. It could be anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour before I raced.

After getting so used to my pre-race routine, I had effectively convinced myself that I needed this routine to perform. But suddenly, on the biggest stage, I was thrown out of my element.

As I sat there stressing about my routine being broken and how it would affect my performance, I began to realize that I was harming myself by being bound to a routine.

Sure, there are certain times when it makes sense to have a routine. Before a free throw or a golf shot are perfect examples because you’re in charge of every relevant variable.

But in situations when there are factors beyond my control, I now try to avoid getting too fixated on any set routine.

I can’t afford for my performance to suffer just because I’m not able to eat, or sleep, or prepare like I’m used to.

I want to be able to respond, regardless of the external circumstances.

-Brandon