Tune Up Tuesday: Mikayla’s Melody of Mindfulness and Motivation
How Mikayla Watson balances motivation, competition, and self-worth beyond the track
Tune-Up Tuesday is a weekly series of The Monday Morning Coach, helping all of us to stay motivated past the Monday morning motivational and into Tuesday, when the reality of persistence is more difficult to carry out than the concept itself. The objective is to interview and profile artists, athletes, former athletes, and coaches to offer varying perspectives on how music influences the way we compete, workout, and stay motivated when it’s sometimes difficult.
Mikayla Watson is a sophomore Accounting Major at Tarleton State University and is a member of the track and field team. I had the privilege of coaching Mik all four years of her high school career and watching her develop as a self-confident and fearless competitor. By the time Mik was a senior, she qualified for the Texas UIL 6A State Championship Meet for the 100m hurdles and earned a scholarship to run at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.
From the outside and in conversation Mikayla can fool you into thinking she’s not highly competitive. She’s one of the most respectful and humble athletes I’ve coached, but when the gun goes off she transforms into a fierce, concentrated, and motivated competitor. So, for today’s Tune Up Tuesday I wanted to introduce you all to the one and only Mikayla Watson.
The Monday Morning Coach: Alright Mik! Apple Music or Spotify?
Mikayla Watson: Spotify.
TMMC: What’s on your “Recently Played” playlist?
MW: Christian Music and Megan Moron
TMMC: What’s a genre of music the people you know might be surprised you’re into?
MW: Not many people are surprised but I'm really only into country and everyone thinks I’m weird for it.
TMMC: Well, I don’t think you’re weird for it. Everybody has their own thing, so own yours! So, when preparing for a big meet or test, what’s your go-to song, playlist, album, or genre? And why?
MW: Anthem Worship. Even though they are not super upbeat they calm me and just draw me close to God in that moment.
TMMC: How has your taste in music evolved over the years, and what does that say about your personal growth?
MW: I don't think my music has really changed over the years. Growing up [riding] in my parents car, we always listened to 94.9 (a local Christian music radio station), and then when I started driving I started listening to a lot more country songs. I’ve never really been one to listen to music that much but I think the country has shown that I have learned to grow as an individual away from my parents and continuing to listen to 94.9 has shown that I still value the tastes of my parents.
TMMC: Do you prefer listening to music solo or sharing it with friends? Why?
MW: I prefer solo because most people judge the music I listen and I just want to enjoy it without others commenting.
TMMC: What’s an album or song, or who’s an artist, that’s helped you get through a difficult stretch of a season (of life, work, or a sport’s season)?
MW: The song “Hold On” and “God Is in This Story” by Katy Nichole. These are two songs that helped me this summer when I was struggling making a decision about what to do with track coming off a hard year, as well as having some struggles with my faith. These songs really helped me focus on God in those hard times.
TMMC: If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
MW: Carrie underwood because she is the first artist I was ever obsessed with and when I was younger I would play one song on repeat till I found another one I loved.
TMMC: Okay! Let’s talk about competition! Most people who meet you outside of an event probably don’t understand how competitive of an athlete you are. What does competition mean to you and how has it influenced your outlook on life today?
MW: I used to take competition too seriously I would be very upset if I lost which is reasonable when competing you want to win. However, even if I had a good race I would be upset if I didn't win or if someone beat me. Although I think this is a good mindset when striving to be “the best,” it took a lot out of me and it strained me from running my own race to the best of my ability.
Now I strive for the best me, especially running in college. You can’t win everything right when you get here. But, you can train alongside the best and push to be your best not only on the track but in school or even later in your profession.
TMMC: That’s awesome to hear! Running at the next level can be both humbling and fortifying. Seems like you’re learning great lessons this season of your life! As you are making progress, what or who is your biggest motivation to give your 100% everyday?
MW: In high school it was always my competition, but mainly one person: Skylar Schiller. She was what I think was my main competition in high school. At practice I would always push myself thinking she was training so I needed to push harder or picture her next to me during my reps in practice. Now those people are my teammates. They give me motivation to keep pushing even when I wanted to give up. Anything from just their presence to a little pep talk and even text messages here and there in our team group chats.
TMMC: Having a community is important and I’m happy you’re finding that. What role does music play in your creative process or daily routine?
MW: I’ve only recently been getting more into different music. I don't know why but I've just never been a big music person. Since coming to college I now listen to music when walking to class, and I only now listen to music when practicing because the coaches put it on. (However, I don't love the music the coaches put on but I just like to listen to the beat.)
TMMC: Do you use music to help amp you up, or calm you down before a big event? How about during a workout?
MW: Before a big event I use Christian Music to calm me down and help me remember everything is for His glory. During practice mostly we listen to rap or whatever they are playing. I don't tend to listen to the words, but during practice the beat is nice to get us pumped for practice.
TMMC: If you could send one song back to your younger self in preparation for running at the UIL 6A Texas Track & Field State Meet, what would it be?
MW: Probably “God Is in This Story.” I just recently heard that this past year and it has really made an impact in my life.
TMMC: If you had to create a soundtrack for your life, which three songs would definitely be on it?
MW: 1. “God Is in This Story” because it has pretty much been my anthem recently 2. “Am I Okay” by Megan Moroney because I absolutely love that song 3. “Praise” by Brandon Lake because no matter where I am in life I will always praise the Lord.
TMMC: Lastly, how do you “tune-up” your “Tuesdays” (days that feel like a drag to get through) when work, life, or workouts feel monotonous or difficult?
MW: When life feels difficult I like to go on a run which sounds kinda odd because I don't like to run a lot event though my sport is track. But, when times are stressful I like to go on a jog around my area, doesn't matter how long or how far, listen to worship music and just enjoy the outdoors.
TMMC: Mik, it’s awesome seeing you discover more of yourself as a competitor, student, and overall individual. I know your time as a student-athlete is limited so I appreciate you taking the time to share who you are with the world. Good luck the season and we’ll be rooting you on!
