Many people often see videos of top athletes, and they are quick to make assumptions about their choices. Why did they do this? Why did they quit? Why aren’t they playing as well as all the other athletes?
Assumptions are drawn on athletes every time they step into a stadium or arena. Strangers make quick conclusions about their lives based on what they see right in front of them at that minute. But what many people don’t understand is the hardships and challenges that occur when this athlete is out of the lights. These fans don’t see the early mornings or late nights spent training, the stress they are placed under, the financial struggles they may face, or the trials that deplete their mental health.
Being an athlete is challenging, and a lot goes on behind the curtain.
An athlete’s most prominent opponent is often themself, and the best athletes are the ones who have the strongest mindsets. The best athletes prioritize beating themselves each time they perform rather than their opponent. When an individual focuses on becoming the best version of themself, they can grow consistently. When an athlete begins to concentrate on beating another opponent rather than improving themselves, they lose track of the importance of what makes a great athlete.
Each time you step into a game or competition, you must ask yourself what you hope to get out of the competition. Each competition may have a different meaning based on what the athlete tries to gain. An athlete can measure the success they hope to gain from their competition in three ways. One system that helps many athletes gain perspective is the structuring of the medals. Many people see the medals awarded in the Olympics as a representation of how accomplished you are, and although that is true, one can twist their outlook on this structuring.
The next time you compete, ask yourself precisely what you want to gain from yourself at the end of the game. Is it gold, silver, or bronze?
- Gold: This is the best; at the gold level, you have achieved the goal at hand and accomplished a breakthrough in your career as an athlete.
- Silver: The silver level represents a significant improvement; although you may not have aced this competition, you were able to showcase that your work has begun to pay off.
- Bronze: At the bronze level, it’s best to establish a set goal for this competition and utilize it to decide the outcome you want from yourself as an athlete after competing in the event.
This goal-setting system allows an athlete to remain in a proper headspace based on where they are in their career during this time and what they hope to gain from each outing as an athlete.
There are many ways an athlete can promote mental fortitude; each day, it’s important to focus on your attributes and what you bring to the table. Some tips for maintaining a good mental standing include:
Trust your talent
You are only as good as you believe yourself to be. Remember never to second-guess your skill when you step onto a field or enter a stadium. One of the mistakes that athletes often make is lacking faith in their abilities when the pressure hits. When you face this pressure from a big game, allow yourself to come to terms with the understanding that you deserve your spot. Refrain from negative thoughts or feelings and focus on putting your best foot forward in that moment.
It will pass.
Many athletes get stuck in a place of confusion and self-doubt. These feelings often deplete their mental health and affect their performance. All athletes need to understand the normalcy behind these feelings. The best athletes understand that this is just a phase. Performance in sports is not linear; mental factors have great influences on an individual’s performance. The good news is that it’s mostly just in your head.
Leave it in the mental locker.
Don’t take your outside problems and feelings into the field. The best athletes leave their problems in the locker room and don’t look back until they get off the field. Doing this keeps them grounded and clear-headed while performing. It’s crucial not to let the world around you affect your head while placed in a competitive setting.
Stop tracking the negative.
Being an athlete is not always sunshine and rainbows. Athletes are bound to face negative thoughts and situations while playing their sport. Although, if you only focus on the negative, then you will quickly lose sight of why you chose to be an athlete in the first place. Be grateful for the opportunities you are given and utilize them to promote success throughout yourself.
Bend, don’t break
Athletes face consistent pressure from coaches, family members, friends, and themselves. This mental pressure an athlete places on themselves is often the greatest. Balance is crucial; if you overdo it with your training and only focus on your role as an athlete, then burnout is inevitable. Prioritize friendships and having fun outside of your sport; this will result in the most remarkable success once you master the art of balance.
The best athletes use failure to vault them to greater heights. Remember, you will never reach gold if you always settle for silver.
Great read. This changed my mindset in the gym and now I feel more consistent.
wow! very cool, sydney sure is a great writer! 😄😄