Never discount the power of your thoughts. Pre-fight anxiety and self-doubt can wear you down physically and emotionally, making you feel as though you've fought three fights before the actual bout ever begins. Adequate preparation will prevent many potential uncertainties and worries, but oftentimes a few nagging doubts persist. I've found it helpful to adopt the following pre-fight ritual to assuage those lingering fears.

This practice of mentally imagery has consistently helped me perform at a high level in situations where circumstances were less than ideal, including wrestling in the NCAA Championships days after extensive reconstructive facial surgery, and competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship two weeks after an emergency appendectomy. Combining psychological preparation with physical training will help make even your "bad" days better than most fighters' good ones.