Are you frustrated with your role on your team?
Do you get angry because you believe you deserve to be a starter or given more playing time?
Some athletes feel they deserve a bigger role on their team. They may feel disrespected that their coach gives another player more playing time, especially when they believe their hard work and talent are overlooked.
You may very well be a better player or work harder than a teammate who is rewarded with more playing time.
Watching a teammate with a lower batting average continually being put in the starting lineup or a slower teammate being selected for the ‘A’ relay can be frustrating.
However, if your frustration leads to complaining and a negative attitude, it will impact how you train, practice, and prepare. As a result, your opportunities to prove yourself will dwindle.
Working through this situation properly requires focusing on what you can control. That may not be the answer you want to hear, but you can’t complain yourself into more playing time.
Not only will you waste your time and energy, but also your potential.
The keys to improving your circumstances are three-fold:
1. Understand you have no control over your coach’s decisions. The lineup and playing time are up to the coaching staff. You can alleviate some of your frustration and anger when you fully accept this fact.
2. Know you have complete control over your actions, reactions, and attitude. You decide how hard to push during practice. You control how positive you will be during training sessions.
You get to choose to respond to circumstances with resolve rather than resignation. Knowing you have this level of control is empowering and motivating.
3. Commit to being fully prepared when your opportunity arises. When you are prepared, you will confidently perform and demonstrate that you are a team player, which may lead to more opportunities.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie tight end Erick All Jr. understands that, in the NFL, competition exists between and within teams. All’s sole focus is working on being the best athlete he can be and taking advantage of his opportunities as they arise.
ALL: “What I just try to think about is the stuff I can control. If [the coach] doesn’t put me in, I can only control what I do when he puts me in the game. I just try to focus on being in the moment, and getting the job done, and winning. That’s it.”
Managing frustration over limited playing time is challenging, but it can also be a source of motivation.
You can elevate your game and build mental toughness by focusing on what you can control, such as improving your skills, maintaining a positive attitude, and being a team player.
Talk openly with your coach. Ask for feedback and what areas you can improve to contribute to the team and earn more playing time.
Coaches often appreciate players who take initiative and are willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.
Related Sports Psychology Article
- The Playoff Mindset and Sport Psychology
- Mindset and How to Embrace Being a Role Player
- Mindset Lessons from the Olympics
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