Are you Ready for the Athletic Challenges in your Sports Career?
Many athletes become so focused on obstacles that they become overwhelmed by their circumstances instead of seeing solutions.
While obstacles may seem daunting, it is often not the obstacle that determines your future but your response to the challenge.
For example, what if you were not chosen for your high school varsity team?
Instead, you were assigned to the JV team for a second straight year. Would you continue to work and do whatever it takes to make the varsity team in your junior year, or would you consider quitting your sport?
How about if your coach replaced you in the starting lineup?
Would you still be motivated and fight to regain a starting role, or would you accept the demotion and lose your confidence?
Challenges in sports are ever-present; they are inescapable. How you respond to those challenges is a choice that significantly impacts your future.
When you view circumstances as challenges, you will focus on solutions. Each challenge you overcome helps you become a better athlete and more mentally equipped to handle future challenges.
Take, for instance, Ben VanSumeren, a 2023 non-drafted NFL rookie free agent for the Philadelphia Eagles. Before trying out for the Eagles, VanSumeren mainly played offense throughout his football career, until the Eagles decided to develop him into a linebacker.
VanSumeren viewed his circumstances as an opportunity and was up for the challenge.
VANSUMEREN: “It was … very different. I’m always looking for the next thing to improve on and get better at, and that is the way I approached it.”
After the 2023 training camp, VanSumeren was assigned to the Eagles’ practice squad. Later in the season, VanSumeren was moved to the active roster and played 230 total snaps during the 2023 season.
However, VanSumeren was not satisfied, and his next challenge was to expand his role in 2024. VanSumeren dedicated his offseason to developing his defensive skills, and his work paid off. VanSumeren earned his way onto the opening-day 53-man roster.
VANSUMEREN: “I don’t leave a stone unturned. All the things that factor into my game and make me the player that I am, I’ve tried to focus on, and I think that’s really helped me going into this year. I’ve definitely taken some big strides… along with some coaching points I’ve gotten from coaches in the building and players I’ve played with, and it’s really helped me come a long way… I take these steps every day to prepare myself to make me the best player I can be.”
A positive mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success in sports. By focusing on solutions and learning from setbacks, athletes can improve their game and develop mental toughness.
Stop classifying your circumstances as a roadblock, obstacle, or insurmountable mountain.
Instead, start seeing your circumstances as a challenge to overcome or a puzzle to be pieced together. Changing how you view or speak about a situation impacts how you approach those circumstances.
Related Sports Psychology Article
- The Mental Game Challenges of Injuries in Youth Sports
- How to Mentally Prepare For Challenges in Races
- Overcoming Adversity and Mental Game Challenges in Sports
The Composed Athlete (Digital Download)
“The Composed Athlete” audio and workbook program helps you gain a competitive edge by improving your composure in competition. Learn the best ways to let go of mistakes and overcome frustration and dwelling.
“My son Jake has struggled with composure for as long as I can remember. He is doing the Composed Athlete program and is about half-way through. He had the biggest, most stressful wrestling tournament of his season this past weekend. I have never seen him demonstrate such composure and sportsmanship -ever. I was so happy I was fighting back tears. It’s been a long and frustrating road. I am so thankful for your program.”
~Laura Grogan