Before all the fame, athletes went through many hardships and conquered great obstacles. And until now, the same athletes have ongoing battles within themselves and externally but still persevere in their tournaments. In this article, we will tackle some of the challenges they overcame.
General Obstacles
“It’s not the disability that defines you; it’s how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. We have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the disability.” – Jim Abbott, Baseball Pitcher
Being an athlete, it is expected to have obstacles in the way of reaching your aspirations. But overcoming those obstacles makes you stronger and better than the player you were before. Here are some of the examples of what the athletes encounter as they compete:
Expectations And Pressures
“A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are.” – Ara Parseghian, Football Player and Coach
Our athletes have these good people guiding them through their path to success. Teaching them about the sport, how to get better, and having these endless training to rise up to their potential. But sometimes, aside from being the best at their sports, the athletes are also expected to ‘look the part.’ Male athletes, for instance, are expected to have high muscle content and less body fat.
In addition to being the best, maintaining their bodies, and showing good behavior, the athletes also deal with internal problems. While sometimes it may be a good thing for discipline, too much of it can push them to a breaking point where they’ll be filled with doubts and pressure.
Mistakes, Failures, and Defeat
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan, Former Basketball Player and Businessman
“Sportsmanship for me is when a guy walks off the court and you really can’t tell whether he won or lost, when he carries himself with pride either way.” – James Spencer “Jim” Courier, Former World’s No. 01 Tennis Player
As humans, it is inevitable to make mistakes or face failures. But from people who are doing the best they can to be better, to win through all their battles, will all those expectations be carried on their backs? One mistake is a lot. It can destroy their confidence and, worse, their dreams.
Wellness
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” – Lance Armstrong, Former Professional Road Racing Cyclist
An athlete’s body or mind cannot always be in its best condition despite all the care they give to it, especially after a grueling competition where they push themselves to the limit to reach their goals. Their bodies need rest to achieve their best condition.
One of the things they could consume to recharge their physical health would be cannabis, which is now removed from the banned substances of NBA, to alleviate pain and give them a good night’s sleep. For the athlete’s mind, taking a vacation or doing activities that satisfy their mental health could be done.
Another example that can hinder an athlete’s match would be their period. Considering the physical pain and mental distress, they may not be able to perform their best. However, we would like to point out that myths regarding periods and swimming are all just myths. It really won’t make anything worst in the water. Swimmers can still join the competition while dealing with their period.
Developing A Champion’s Mental Outlook For The Games
“It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” – Paul “Bear” Bryant, College Football Player and Coach
Our brain is a powerful part of us. It helps us unlock boundless success and growth in our lives. Hence, developing a positive mental outlook will guide them to the finish line.
To improve an athlete’s mental strength, one must observe how a top performer exhibits their habits. What do they do for their competitions? What are their preparations for their sport? How do you react to mistakes and failures? Taking all these into consideration, along with your one-on-one coaching, can help you reach your goals in sports.
Remember Your Aspirations
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” – Yolanda Gail Devers, Retired Track and Field Athlete
Focus on what you are aiming for. Never forget. The thing with sports is that it is a long goal; the length of time you dedicate to it is quite long that sometimes you lose that motivational drive in the process. But in those times, always take a look back at what you have dreamt of and ask yourself what all these efforts are for.
Take On Challenges
“Never give up, never give in, and when the upper hand is ours, may we have the ability to handle the win with the dignity that we absorbed the loss.” – Doug Williams, Football Executive, Coach, and Player
Every challenge can be a way to test and strengthen your abilities. It is an opportunity for you to grow regardless of the outcome. If you were defeated, stand back up, recognize your weaknesses, and strengthen them. If you win, it is a chance to celebrate the hard work you put in for your sport.
Celebrate Your Victories
“You control your own wins and losses.” – Maria Sharapova, Former Pro Tennis Player
When things get rough, remember the challenges that brought you to where you are now. Look back and consider all the hurdles you have jumped to get your current standing. Give yourself a pat on the back.
Have Fun
“I can’t play being mad. I go out there and have fun. It’s a game, and that’s how I am going to treat it.” – Ken Griffey Jr., Professional Baseball Player
“I’ve learned over the years that if you start thinking about the race, it stresses you out a little bit. I just try to relax and think about video games, what I’m gonna do after the race, what I’m gonna do just to chill. Stuff like that to relax a little before the race.” – Usain Bolt, Sprinter
When the demands of your field get a little too overwhelming, take a break. Too much pressure can affect you mentally and can also affect your game. Give yourself time to break away from the stress and relax.
Pace Yourself
“In the end, it’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose?” – Jesse Owens, Track and Field Athlete
Make sure to pace yourself. See that if you are getting too intense, take a step back and calm your mind. Playing with a calm mind brings better chances of success, especially in a team sport, where you need to match the pace of your teammates.
Give Your Best
“If I didn’t swim my best, I’d think about it at school, at dinner, with my friends. It would drive me crazy.” – Michael Phelps, Former Competitive Swimmer
We’re not always the best versions of ourselves every day. But regardless, we must give our best at every opportunity that comes. By doing so, we can free ourselves from the guilt of not competing to the best of our ability.
Persistence
“Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.” – Matt Biondi, Former Competitive Swimmer
Another thing that an athlete needs is persistence. Persistence to prepare, to better their craft, and persistence in the discipline needed for their routines.
Being A Role Model
“Every kid around the world who plays soccer wants to be Pele. I have a great responsibility to show them not just how to be like a soccer player, but how to be like a man.” – Edson Arantes do Nascimento or Pele, Soccer Player
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” – Kobe Bean Bryant, Professional Basketball Player
“Don’t walk through life just playing football. Don’t walk through life just being an athlete. Athletics will fade. Character and integrity and really making an impact on someone’s life, that’s the ultimate vision, that’s the ultimate goal – bottom line.” – Ray Anthony Lewis, Football Player
Finally, as stars who are always exposed to the media and large audiences, they should put into mind the people that they reach. The people who they once were, taking inspiration from a successful athlete. They should show the importance of having a good character for sportsmanship and being human.
The Bottom Line
The life of a sports star involves a combination of challenges and victories. But by channeling those experiences positively and strengthening their will with them, they can not only be successful in the sports field but also in other areas of life.
