CFA tips?

usafcellist2026

usafcellist2026

MSU AFROTC '26
Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
617
Hey y'all,
For the day of/night before the CFA, what tips or advice do you have that helped get you prepared (mentally and physically)?
 
Eat smartly — mainly lean protein and unprocessed carbs. Hydrate. Sleep well. Try not to overthink the upcoming event, lest you create more stress than is necessary. A little stress is good. Too much is not. Oh, and be kind to your parents and siblings.
 
Google “Navy SEAL box breathing.” Plenty of videos and articles. When you feel like you’re tensing up thinking about this, do this exercise. It centers you, calms the mind, prepares you for the task ahead. You can also go through the CFA in your mind, step by step, imagining getting set and then executing each event well, staying focused and calm, taking advantage of the rest periods. You don’t do this during your endeavor though, just in mental prep and rest. Elite athletes go through this in their mind, thinking positively about outcomes.

Good luck! Oh, and breathe from your belly, full diaphragm use.
 
Don’t do what my kid did on his first attempt. He skipped the banana I left out and drank a cup of coffee. Nerves, 102 degrees at 4700 feet hit an empty stomach. Was not pretty. Round two went much better.
Hydrate. Good luck to you!
 
Before every meet I would make sure I had all my stuff ready that way it wasn't on my mind the next day ( it's amazing how you can for get running shoes as a runners when nervous). Second off, music was always a must. I keep all my upbeat let's get this done music playing. Helped keep me out of my head.

I personally always get performance anxiety, always had it. Doesn't matter if I know I can max something or have done it before. Every. Single. Race I got it. So if you're worried because anxiety. Its going to be ok. Just give it your all that's all we ask. We're proud.

Now if you'll excuse me got to go listen to music as my ACT is today
 
Hope I'm not too late with this - shoot me PM real quick and I'll give you my full list of tips I have written out
 
Capt MJ said:
Google “Navy SEAL box breathing.” Plenty of videos and articles. When you feel like you’re tensing up thinking about this, do this exercise. It centers you, calms the mind, prepares you for the task ahead. You can also go through the CFA in your mind, step by step, imagining getting set and then executing each event well, staying focused and calm, taking advantage of the rest periods. You don’t do this during your endeavor though, just in mental prep and rest. Elite athletes go through this in their mind, thinking positively about outcomes.

Good luck! Oh, and breathe from your belly, full diaphragm use.
Click to expand...
Do you have a link for the breathing tips.
 
Any tips for running a mile in a good time after all the other physical requirements for the CFA?
 
SLg said:
Do you have a link for the breathing tips.
Click to expand...
I followed my own advice and used “Navy SEAL box breathing” in my Google search string. Multiple videos and links popped up. You should have no difficulty.

Box breathing is not unique to SEALs. It’s an excellent way to clear the mind and prepare for an upcoming mental or physical challenge.

I just practiced it for 25 repetitions. You feel your tension and nerves release.
 
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