How To Get The Elite Olympic Mindset

Aside from having immense physical talent, being an Olympic athlete also requires psychological control. Sports psychologists have studied the psychological factors that make great athletes for decades. One of the most critical factors a great athlete must consider is their passion for their sport. This passion can help them avoid stress and improve their performance. Being able to control one’s emotions while competing is very important for an athlete.

Doing so can help them perform at their best.For anyone planning on participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics, learning about the psychological skills that Olympians use can help keep their motivation and focus. Adopting an elite mindset can help you achieve various goals, such as improving work output or reducing alcohol consumption. Here are just some of the ways you can create that mindset.

1. Setting Goals

Many elite athletes set short- and long-term goals. By setting SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound, they can keep themselves motivated and reach their objectives. An effective way to set goals is by linking them to specific values you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re focused on improving your academic performance, then setting related goals can help motivate you.

2. Plan

As athletes prepare for the Olympics, getting a goal can be very time consuming and hard to achieve. A plan can help you manage your actions as you progress toward your goals. A plan can help you visualize how and when you’ll reach your desired results.

3. Positive Self-Talk

Professional athletes use self-talk techniques to help them focus on the task at hand. Identifying positive phrases or keywords can help you keep yourself motivated and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Positive self-talk is also beneficial for improving one’s self-efficacy, which is essential in achieving various positive outcomes.

4. Mental Images

Using mental imagery can help athletes visualize their actions and reach their goals. Visualizing the steps required to complete an action can boost their motivation and make them feel more comfortable about their performance. After watching the world’s best athletes compete, take a look at how you can copy their mindset and feel motivated to excel.

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Essential Tools That Any Artist Needs

A good set of tools can help an artist create the ultimate piece of art. Aside from being able to practice, having the right supplies is also essential to ensure that the artist achieves their goals. If an artist tries to paint over drawing paper, they might have a different result. This might cause the paper to distort and the image to look further. 

Here is a list of the essential art supplies and tools every artist should have to avoid this. This list is for aspiring artists who are starting and want to ensure they have the right tools. Also, experienced artists ready to upgrade or update their supplies can check this list.

Pencils

One of the essential tools that an artist should have is a pencil. They are commonly used for sketching and filling their art journal with ideas. They can also be the primary tool for creating pencil drawings. You can choose from various types of pencils, such as mechanical and traditional pencils. The product’s name indicates the type of effect you can achieve. These pencils can be hard, bold, soft, smearable, and blendable. If you are starting, you might want to start with the basic HB pencils used for sketching. Then, you can go for the 6B, which is for shading, and the 9B, for darker tones.

Brushes

Finding the right set of brushes can be challenging due to the variety of products you can choose from. The first thing you should do is select the type of bristle you want to use. The softer bristles provide a smooth and soft stroke, while the harsher ones create thick layers of paint.

Paint

Artists can choose from many types of paints, depending on the medium they will use and their goals. Every artist has their preferred type and brand of paint, and depending on their needs and goals, they can experiment with different materials and pigments. 

If you are starting, acrylic paint might be a good choice. Medium-quality acrylic paint will allow you to try out new materials. Before you start using any of the paint tubes, it is crucial that you first think about the primary colors that you want to use. This will allow you to create a more accurate and balanced color palette.

Paper

A critical factor that an artist should consider when choosing a blank medium is the type of paper they want to use. Usually, artists prefer to use acid-free sheets. The paper’s weight is another important factor that an artist should consider. Light-weight papers are more likely to resist wet media and pencils, while heavier ones might not work well with an eraser. They also have a texture created by the teeth on their surface, which holds the pigments.

Palette and Palette Knife

A palette is a surface that an artist uses to mix and hold their paints. There are various types of these, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass. These tools should be light and easy to carry, making them ideal for working without interruptions. The ideal palette should also have enough space to accommodate all the different colors you’ll be using.

Spending a lot of money on a new palette is unnecessary. Instead, think about something that will last for a long time.

 

 A palette knife is commonly used to create varying shades of paint by mixing different types of paint. It can also be used to apply the paint directly onto the paper. This provides a more textured and thick stroke.

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Uncommon Sports Of The World

The history of sports goes back a long way. In cave drawings, wrestling can be seen as early as 3,000 B.C., and the ancient Olympics held their first race in 760 B. C.. Football, the most popular sport in the world, originated in China during the 3rd century B.C. It was in the 12th century that it reached Europe. American Indians started playing stickball, and golf was first introduced to Scotland during the 1500s. Sports have gradually evolved into more of a formalized form ever since. Although most of us know the most popular sports, there are some obscure ones that we should always pay attention to.

1. Bog Snorkelling

Instead of colorful marine life and tropical waters, bog snorkeling involves equipment. This is a sporting event that involves a swim of about 120 yards in a trench that’s cut through a mud bog. The goal is to use only your flippers to propel yourself. The sport began after a bar conversation in Wales. It has been held annually since 1985 in the town of Llanwrtyd Wells. The world record for this event is over a minute.

2. Bossaball

When you combine gymnastics, volleyball, and football with Brazilian beach culture and music, you get bossaball. This sport is considered to be a Brazilian style of play that’s similar to soccer. After spending time in Brazil as a band manager, soccer enthusiast, and former tennis player, Filip Eyckmans developed a bossaball while living in Spain. His goal was to capture the essence of Brazilian beach culture.

3. Cheese Rolling

If you’re considering taking on the challenge of rolling a round of Double Gloucester, then bring your wheels. The cheese weighs around 7 to 9 pounds and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour when rolled down Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester, England. Although the exact origins of cheese rolling are unknown, the event has been held annually at the end of May in Cooper’s Hill. Over the years, the event has attracted international competitors. Like any good sportsperson, you should always watch the cheese. It’s known to injure people.

4. Competitive Sleeping

In 2010, Spain organized its first national napping championship. The event’s goal was to find the best napper, and all participants had to do was get enough sleep for about 20 minutes in a shopping mall. In 2018, Marpac, a sleep tools company, announced the launch of the CSL, a competition that started in 1998. The event was created after the company partnered with the California Sleeping Club.The concept of the CSL caught our attention, so let us know if it’s a real competition or a marketing strategy.

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Art Trends of 2023

From vibrant art to bold designs, here are some of the most anticipated art trends of 2023.

Pastels

This year, art lovers will see a lot of subdued colors as a soothing shade of pastel is gaining popularity. This type of art can help viewers feel calm and peaceful. For instance, Calman Shemi uses a soft painting technique to describe the relationship between people and the environment. Shemi’s creations utilize a variety of colors and techniques.

Textured Artwork

The rise of the virtual art movement is expected to impact the development of textured art in 2023 positively. This type of art is created through a technique known as Impasto. This method involves mixing thick paint with a palette knife and a visible brush. It can create a new dimension and energy in an artwork.

Visual Art

Virtual art is expected to continue to gain popularity in 2023. As its popularity continues to rise, various pieces related to this movement will continue to raise questions about the artist and the medium. One of the main advantages of this technology is that it can erase the differences between an artwork and its creator. Consider Gal Yosef, a young artist who started working in 3D design at 12. His work mainly focuses on digital design and has heavily utilized computer technology.

Large Abstracts

Large-scale works of art can easily capture the attention of a viewer. Unlike textured pieces, abstract art does not represent the artist’s personality. Instead, it uses a variety of colors and techniques to create a unique and emotional expression. This trend will feature various artistic styles. For instance, the tone and color of Angela Roskell’s abstracts are different from those of Martin Breeze.

New Color Palette

While pastel is still expected to be the primary color palette in 2023, artists will also use minimalistic and earthy tones to create tranquil and relaxing works of art. Since vibrant colors can overwhelm some people, artists will take a more restrained approach in the coming years. Simple and understated pieces are also often easier to style. They don’t have to include vibrant colors that can overpower the viewer.

 

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Different Ways to Keep Motivated While Training

If you’re an athlete who has tried to start a fitness program only to quit, then you’re not alone. There are many reasons people stop their programs, such as boredom or the lack of results. Here are ways to keep motivated to train. 

1. Set Goals

Make sure that your goals are simple and achievable. It’s also important to remember that they should be realistic. Having too ambitious a plan can lead to failure. For instance, if you last exercised a while ago, a short-term goal would be to walk at least 10 minutes daily. An intermediate goal would be to walk 30 minutes a week. A long-term goal would be to complete a 5K walk.

The HHS suggests that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity a week. A combination of both types of exercise can provide even greater benefits. To make your exercise routine more effective, try incorporating strength training exercises at least two times a week, as these can help improve muscle tone and prevent injury.

2. Try and Make it Enjoyable

Keep your exercise routine interesting by finding activities you enjoy. If you need more fun, try something new. You can also look for a martial arts center or health club. If you would rather work out at home, try looking for videos of various exercise classes, such as yoga and high-intensity interval training. You can additionally take a jog or walk in the park.

You’ll most likely stick with your fitness program if you’re having fun. It doesn’t have to be boring to exercise.

3. Add Exercise to Your Routine

Refrain from falling back on excuses if you can’t find time for exercise. Instead, schedule your workouts according to your usual schedule.

You can also try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away from the store. While watching the kids play, take a walk on the sidelines. You can also try stretching and walking on breaks while you work from home. You can also take a walk with your dog if you have one, or you can use a stationary bike or a treadmill. You can additionally do strength training exercises while you watch TV at night.

Studies have shown that prolonged sitting can negatively affect one’s health even if one gets the recommended amount of exercise. If you work several hours a day, try taking daily breaks to move. You can also try walking to get water or standing during video calls or meetings.

4. Write It Down

You have many goals, such as losing weight, managing a chronic condition, boosting energy, or improving sleep. Having a plan helps motivate you, and seeing the positive effects of exercise can help keep you motivated. An most effective way to keep track of your exercise is by recording what you did and how you felt after each workout. This can help you track how you’re progressing and keep you motivated.

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Five Important Art Movies

Plenty of art-related movies can be enjoyed on the big screen. From period dramas to documentaries about famous artists, plenty of films explore the world of art. 

1. Portrait Of A Lady On Fire

In Céline Sciamma’s Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, the story revolves around a young artist commissioned to create a portrait of a wealthy family’s daughter. While we love the premise of forbidden love in France’s 18th century, this movie delivers more depth than expected. The film’s intimate setting is mainly achieved by the sounds of fire, waves, and paint brushing against a rough canvas. It’s also revealed that painting someone you’re in love with can simultaneously be tragic and charming.

2. At Eternity’s Gate

If you’re a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, then this film is for you. It’s based on the artist’s final years in France and features an incredible performance by Willem Dafoe. The film follows the artist’s descent into madness as his world becomes more chaotic. The film explores various aspects of Van Gogh’s life, such as his love for art, mysterious death, and his sole relationship with his brother Theo and fellow artist Paul Gauguin.

3. Frida

Based on the real-life story of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the film features an incredible performance by actress and film icon Salma Hayek. Through her work, she became one of the most prominent and talented artists of the 20th century. Through her relationships with Leon Trotsky and Diego Rivera, the film reveals the incredible hardships she endured during her short life.

4. Midnight In Paris

When Gil, a nostalgic novelist, finds himself in Paris at night, he gets lost in time and meets a few historical figures. He then begins to dream about a life he would like to lead. If Owen Wilson were to play the lead role in the film, the city’s incredible tapestry would be his co-star. The film’s poster features the city as Van Gogh’s famed Starry Night blues and yellows. After that, the film looks at other famous artists such as Salvador Dal, Man Ray, and Pablo Picasso.

5. Loving Vincent

The film, the first feature-length animation about Vincent Van Gogh, follows the mysterious death of the artist through the story of his friend, Armand. He is tasked with delivering his last letter to his brother, Theo. He learns more about the artist’s life through his interactions with people who knew him.

The film masterfully uses the artist’s work for its background and characters. Through his paintings, the movie has re-imagined various individuals he painted as modern actors. One of these is Chris O’Dowd, who plays Joseph Roulin. The film’s animators used over 66,000 frames of oil to create this effect. The creative ingenuity behind the film is worth checking out.

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Different Ways Artists Can Stay Organized

Art and organized are words that usually don’t appear together when it comes to terms of an artist. For instance, when you think of the artist, you might think of a chaotic studio with spilled paint and abandoned canvases.

Today’s business of art requires a more organized approach. There are many tasks that an artist must complete to keep track of their work and expenses. Some of these include maintaining a record of all their costs, deadlines, and social media presence. There are a few simple steps that you can take to keep organized and give yourself more time to focus on your creative side.

1. Write Stuff Down

One of the most critical steps an artist should take is keeping a record of their various tasks and activities. This will allow them to focus on their creative side and avoid getting distracted. An excellent place to keep track of all of your activities is in a file on your computer. You can also use a spreadsheet to record all your work details. Having a written notebook can help keep track of your appointments and ideas.

2. Have A Routine

Each week, set aside a certain amount of time for the business side of art. This can be done by answering emails, making phone calls, preparing pieces for shipping, and more. A morning dedicated to this area can help keep the rest of the week free for creativity. A dedicated area in your studio or home for the business can also help keep things organized. A basket and a computer can help keep your files organized.

3. Have Bookkeeping Records

It’s essential to keep track of all of your expenses and revenues. Having a record of these details can help keep track of your transactions and ensure that you follow proper procedures. You can use a spreadsheet every week to record your expenses and revenue. You can also keep track of your emailed invoices and receipts by printing them out. A copy of the ticket will let you know where it is.

4. Make An Inventory For Your Art

An inventory of your art is a must-have for any artist. It should include details about the piece, such as its pictures, dates, and sales. You can also keep track of other important information, such as the number of prints and the gallery where it was shown.

5. Set Reminders

If you’re having difficulty remembering certain things, such as deadlines or appointments, you can use a whiteboard or a chalkboard to keep track of these important reminders. You can also use a small stick chalkboard or paint on any surface.

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Sport Scoring Apps To Look Into

Sports scores mean a lot to sports fans. Aside from the excitement of seeing the results change, the financial implications of these scores are also very rewarding for those who gamble. Getting the correct scores is vital for sports prediction sites, such as liontip.com. They spend a lot of money on getting top experts to predict the results.

Today, with the rise of digital adoption, it is no longer necessary for you to be in a stadium to keep up with the scores of sports events. With the help of apps, you can keep up with the latest scores from your mobile device.

1. theScore

The app for sports scores is perfect for fans of various professional leagues and tournaments. It can be used to keep up with the latest scores of the English Premier League, the NBA, and the NFL. The app for sports scores provides real-time updates on the latest events. It also features an interactive dashboard that displays the scores and news from your preferred teams and leagues. The app has various other features, such as group chat, in-depth analysis, and betting lines. It has over 10 million downloads and is currently rated 4.7 on the Play Store.

2. Livescores

Like its competitor, Livescore also covers a wide range of sports. Although it provides real-time updates on some of the most popular events, such as cricket and tennis, it mainly focuses on soccer.

Although Livescore allows users to stream football matches, this service is only available in the UK and Ireland. Users can still get detailed commentary and match analysis.The app’s simple design allows users to quickly skim through various games’ highlights. It also has multiple features, such as the Explore option, enabling users to search for their favorite sports.This app is ideal for soccer fans looking for the latest updates. It can be downloaded for both iOS and Android.

3. SofaScore

With the help of SofaScore, soccer fans can get live score updates and commentary for up to 25 different sports. It also has various exciting features that make it a great app. The app features various valuable tools, such as Player Ratings, Shotmaps, and Attribute overviews. It’s also compatible with Android Wear smartwatches, which allows users to watch goal clips. One of the app’s most popular features is its chat feature, which allows users to interact with other sports fans. It also has a game called Battle Draft, which keeps users logged in for longer.

4. ESPN

Sports fans can rely on ESPN’s app to get the latest news and updates about their favorite teams and tournaments. The app’s interface is simple and allows users to navigate its various features easily. It also has a customizable option that lets users keep track of their favorite leagues’ latest updates. Besides live sports results, the app has various other features, such as ESPN podcasts. If a subscription to ESPN+ is purchased monthly or yearly, it can provide users access to various content, such as exclusive programs.

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Habits of Successful Athletes

Despite popular belief, the most successful athletes are not in the position because of pure skill. Sure, there is a lot of skill involved, but what makes a successful athlete is their habits.

The top-performing athletes on the planet all have their habits. Here are just a few of those habits and how they can help athletes grow to reach their potential.

Rest and Recovery

The body of an athlete can do some pretty incredible things. But pushing the limits of the athlete’s body may create some limitations, which means taking the time to restore that body.

Every great athlete needs to take the time to help their body recover, which should be part of any training regimen. Muscles need to be restored, giving them the right amount of protein or staying hydrated. When properly cared for, the body can do some incredible things.

A Dynamic Warmup

The great athletes don’t just suddenly show up and start performing at a high level. Just as when tackling a high-intensity workout, performing at a high level means beginning with a dynamic warmup.

As a great athlete, warmups are non-negotiable because they enhance performance, help prevent injury, and so much more. It gets the muscles ready to take on the high-intensity demands of being a great athlete.

Listening to the Body

One of the biggest mistakes athletes makes is pushing through obvious signs that the body is failing. When things are being pushed beyond their limits, the body will make it known. Great athletes listen to what their bodies are telling them.

There are times when that may not matter — winning a world championship, for instance — but taking the time to scale back can mean preventing injury, keeping those performances stronger for longer periods. But it starts by recognizing the signals that the body gives to each athlete.

 

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Promoting Art Through TikTok

If you want to bring more attention to your art, then TikTok is the platform for you. It’s a great way to start building a following and promote your work. It might seem like a daunting task to start creating videos, but once you’ve gotten used to it, you’ll want to learn how to use it effectively. There are over 689 million people who use TikTok, making it a great platform for building an audience.

TikTok is known for its young audience, as most of its users are in the 10-to-29-year-old age group. If you’re planning on targeting this demographic, then TikTok is where you should be. However, there are also other age groups and niches that you can market yourself to. If you market yourself correctly, then you can easily make successful use of this platform. One of the biggest advantages of using TikTok is that it allows you to create videos without having to go to a lot of trouble.

How to Use TikTok to Promote Your Art

TikTok users are usually entertained and enjoy learning something new. You can begin by filming a video from start to finish, talking about your favorite tools, and sharing the sketch that you created with the help of hashtags. Before you post a video, make sure that you have a few relevant hashtags in your app so that people can easily find your work. You don’t want to go crazy with these, as a few of these will do the trick.

The music and sounds that you use in your videos are also important to promote your work. There are a variety of ways that you can use to promote your work, such as using your own sound. You can additionally browse the popular sounds that are featured in your videos to find something that fits the style of your work.

TikTok is unique because it allows users to reuse their ideas. If you see another creator doing something that you like, then you can respond to their video with a stitch or a duet.

You can also add a link to your profile in order to direct people to your website or other platforms. If you have multiple platforms that you want to link to, such as Instagram or YouTube, then you can create a link tree. This will allow people to easily access all of your platforms.

One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to promoting your work is being authentic to yourself. If you’re a person who enjoys taking risks and creating wild ideas, then don’t hesitate to do so. However, if you’re a more conservative artist, then try to keep your content simple. The more authentic you are, the higher chances you’ll have of attracting your ideal audience.

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