Jit’s Journal: Anxieties of a rookie season

I approach the upcoming season like I always do: with hope, optimism and expectation. However, expectations have been raised for me. Instead of sliding in under the radar like I have in the past, I am now being asked to step up into the role of an elite World Cup racer. Not only do coaches and sponsors expect this of me but I expect it of myself, and that is what really matters at the end of the day. With this new push for success comes many things. One of them is stress and anxiety.
I APPROACH THE upcoming season like I always do: with hope, optimism and expectation. However, expectations have been raised for me. Instead of sliding in under the radar like I have in the past, I am now being asked to step up into the role of an elite World Cup racer. Not only do coaches and sponsors expect this of me but I expect it of myself, and that is what really matters at the end of the day. With this new push for success comes many things. One of them is stress and anxiety.
    I feel fortunate that I am the type of person who thrives under the pressure of knowing that when I have a job to do, I get it done. Last year I raced in six World Cups and the World Championships. I learned quickly from these experiences; Some of them I was proud of and others I still get frustrated with myself about. The important thing was that those experiences gave me a chance to dip my toe in the pond and test the waters. There was no real pressure for me to do anything big, and so I was able to have a rare chance to race at the highest level with a clear mind and not have any real anxiety. Now things are different.
    As the days until the season opener in Sölden come closer and closer, I find myself under personal pressure to get the job done and break through the invisible barrier that is the World Cup. I don’t care what anyone says. You always hear those thoughts in your head that might try to prevent you from performing at your highest capability. Those fears, doubts and anxieties find a way to crawl up the back of your spine and into your head, setting up unnecessary hurdles for you to somehow clear.
    Now what? Simple. You just have to turn and face them. Analyze them down to the point that they are no longer fears but stupid little ideas that have no chance of stopping you from reaching your dreams; And this applies to all young racers out there. I like to acknowledge the fact that those thoughts are in my head because then everything is out on the table. There’s no mystery there. Just like in a relationship — if everything is out in the open, on the table and you are honest, you are more likely to be successful. I can’t stress honesty enough. The more honest you are with yourself, the more likely you are to succeed with anything in life. After all, if you can’t look at yourself in the mirror and come to terms with your problems, how are you ever going to conquer a steep and icy pitch in front of thousands of people?
    Now the time has come. I am training fast. I feel strong and healthy. When I ski, I feel completely in my element and comfortable. All issues are out in the open and taken care of. I can kick out of the start gate feeling like the time has come for me to make my move. It’s just me and my skis going for a ride like I’ve been doing since I was 2 years old. Clear ambition, and wind in the face. It’s go time!

— Jit

Jit would like to thank the following:
Dynastar skis
Lange boots
Swix poles
Uvex helmet & goggles
Dr. Terry Orr
And, of course, my family