Heptathlon star Katarina Johnson-Thompson in awe as large mural of her unveiled

A massive 30-metre by 10-metre mural has been unveiled on Liverpool’s Dale Street, right next to the popular local watering hole, The Excelsior pub.

The artwork depicts Katarina Johnson-Thompson in full flight on the athletics track, with motivational phrases such as ‘progress not perfection’ and ‘never give up’ emblazoned across it. These words were chosen after a survey of 2,000 adults revealed they were key in helping people achieve their goals.

The mural was created by renowned local artist Paul Curtis and took three weeks to complete. It was commissioned by British Gas as part of its initiative to drive positive change in local communities, promote sustainable energy use, and support communities through sport.

Speaking about the mural, Johnson-Thompson said: “The positive energy from my supporters has always spurred me on and inspired me, this celebratory mural in my hometown that brings this to life in such an impactful way is amazing to see.”

The unveiling of the mural coincides with a study by British Gas which found that 72% of people admit they have struggled to find the motivation to be more active. Top barriers include lack of motivation, fatigue, time constraints, or simply being stuck in a rut.

Johnson-Thompson added: “Motivational words help to keep you going as an athlete. I’ve been lucky enough to have been surrounded by people in my career who have my back and who have given me so much positive encouragement to spur me on. Positive words of motivation from others improves your outlook – and could even better your performance.”

A group of local children, brought along by the Liverpool Football Club Foundation, were there to meet the heptathlete. The foundation, for which Johnson-Thompson is an ambassador, provides life-changing opportunities for youngsters and their families.

This comes as a whopping 83% of those surveyed agree that it’s crucial to inspire and encourage kids and young adults to take up a sport. The study also revealed that to stay motivated, one in four use the mantra ‘one day at a time’ to get active and keep on track. Meanwhile, 23% remind themselves that any progress is good progress, and 15 per cent aim for progress, not perfection.

Those surveyed, via OnePoll.com, said receiving words of encouragement is the most effective way of motivating someone (41%), followed by setting clear goals and being in a supportive environment (both 31%). However, respondents said the least effective methods of motivation were those based on fear (6%) and receiving brutal honesty – even if it’s not what you wanted to hear (12%).

Performance psychologist Katie Mobed, who has coached Olympic champions, educational leaders, and world record holders, added: “Any professional athlete will tell you that the support they get from the crowd gives them a huge boost. The most popular motivational phrases in the research are geared towards making physical activity more achievable and less daunting.”

“This is an effective strategy because it speaks to the nature of the mind, which has not evolved to be wholly positive and confident. This negativity bias is why we feel the sting of criticism more powerfully than we feel the joy of praise.”

“To get out of a rut or create new, positive habits around physical activity, we need to overcome this bias and tip the scales in favour of positive action. Breaking our goals down into small, achievable chunks really helps, and this is exactly why phrases like ‘progress not perfection’ help us to get active.”

Of the 38% of Brits who don’t do any form or exercise, 46% would like to take up walking, 22% swimming and 14% yoga. While 82% of all those polled – whether they exercised or not – said the hardest part about becoming active is simply getting started.

James Corcoran, from British Gas, stated: “We all need the power of positivity – and our mural by the talented Paul Curtis is here to support Katarina Johnson-Thompson and inspire her hometown and its millions of visitors.”

“We hope that the phrases proven to power positivity resonate with all generations in promoting self-belief and showing support for others in whatever they are looking to achieve.”

TOP 20 PHRASES THAT MOTIVATE BRITS:

1. One day at a time.
2. Any progress is good progress.
3. You can do this.
4. Keep going.
5. You don’t have to go fast; you just have to go.
6. You’ve got this.
7. You know you can do this.
8. Strive for progress, not perfection.
9. You don’t have to be great to start, you just have to start.
10. You are worth your effort.
11. Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.
12. Do something today that your future self will thank you for.
13. The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.
14. Believe you can and you’re halfway there.
15. Don’t let obstacles stop you.
16. You are your only limit.
17. This is your moment.
18. It’s go time.
19. You’ll never run alone.
20. This could be your legacy.