Athletic achievements are built on a set of mental skills – a mindset that makes all the conditions for athletic achievement possible. If you have athletic aspirations, already are an athlete or would like a competitive edge in another area of life, we can learn a lot from the psychological characteristics of successful athletes. These characteristics also give food for thought for those dealing with lack of motivation, anxiety or depression. We can get a window into an alternative thinking style that can positively affect mood and behavior. So what is an athlete’s mindset and how can we build it?
5 key factors in an athlete’s mindset
Dedication over Natural Ability
Although it seems logical that natural ability will translate into success, the opposite can be true. Much is made of the idea that expertise is built over thousands of hours of practice, so many aspiring athletes, coaches and parents draw the conclusion that those with early promise will have the most success. So it is confusing ability doesn’t translate into success in the real world. On the contrary, there are many examples of athletes who were dismissed early on only to come back to take their place as some of the best in the world. What seems to make a bigger impact on success is sticking with it, even when the odds are against you.
Whether you are an athlete or not, this mindset carries a lot of benefits. It reminds us to not get drawn into comparing with others or wishing things are not as they are. Instead, keep striving.
Dealing with setbacks well
Following on from the previous point, over the course of time, there will be highs and lows. Physical struggles like illness and injury will come. As will stressors in everyday life, school, work or relationships. When these setbacks hit, training has to adjust and pivot, but not stop. The mindset has to stay sharp and hungry even when success seems far off. This mindset might look like being injured, not able to compete, but staying on track with nutrition and rehab. Physically – on the outside – it will look different. But on the inside, the mind stays focused on the goal. It mostly looks like striving and remaining engaged even when there is little immediate pay off.
Consistency and Quality
Practice and training are key, but for a successful athlete’s mindset it has to be more than going through the motions. Creating habits in and around training sessions that allow for focus and quality training. This might mean cutting out distractions during training, having an intentional approach to movements and being mindful about affects focus. This might look like silencing the phone or getting into a focused state with breath and body. Creating patterns that mimic a mental and physical state needed in competition are key.
Stress management
The successful athletic mindset will have ways of coping with stress and directing energy in useful ways. Stress, both physical stress of training and emotional stress, takes a tool on the nervous system. Success will depend on having a read on how much energy is being spent on the various pressures of life. The mindset here is part self awareness and body awareness. And part self care – having some strategies to conserve energy or recharge as needed.
Self evaluation and feedback
Successful athletes have a mindset that is open to learning from both failure and success. Even in success, there is a willingness to consider what facilitated the result. And always a curiosity about what opportunities there are to be better. Did something make a difference? This seems obvious in failures, and might feel less easy in times of success. In success it’s easy to just be happy and satisfied. It’s a possible reason that athletes who had to fight for their place end up being better in the long run! This is not to say that we shouldn’t enjoy success. Appreciate success! But always ask what opportunities there are and what can I learn from this experience.
Therapy and Coaching for Performance and Athletic Mindset in Katy, TX
Getting extra support is also key to developing successful mindsets. Talking to those who support your performance or training can help. Counseling and Coaching focused on your mindset and mental approach can also be a great help for improving your confidence and skills.
I offer counseling and coaching for athletes, performers and corporate individuals to be at their best and happiest. My therapy practice focuses on body image, eating disorders, mood problems (anxiety and depression), trauma and relationship issues (communication, anger, boundaries) in-person or virtually. Contact me to arrange a consultation to discuss your needs. Click here to contact me now.