Do you enjoy baseball or softball?
Do you REALLY enjoy all that goes into being an athlete, such as training, practicing, and competing?
Many ball players lose their enjoyment and enthusiasm for their sport at an early age. They cite increasing pressure and outside expectations as the reasons sports are no longer fun.
Some players feel excessive pressure from their parents, coaches, teammates, or fans. They perceive they are expected to win or be perfect during every game.
Lofty expectations can ruin your sports experience, cause you to fall short of your athletic goals, and never realize your full potential. Many players who lose their passion for their sport feel they wasted their time and look back on their athletic career with disfavor and disapproval.
To be good at your sport, you need to enjoy your sport. Of course, there will be times when you wish you were doing something else, especially when training is difficult or you performed terribly in a game.
Nevertheless, to be your best, you must enjoy the experience most of the time. When you are in control of your ball playing career, chase the goals you set, and compete primarily for yourself, you will be fulfilled and successful.
You may not be able to prevent others from stating their expectations, but you don’t have to listen to or buy into their expectations. Other people’s expectations are just a distraction.
When you define success in personal terms and stay committed to your goals, you will experience less pressure and greater athletic success.
Each week ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish in my sport? What does success look like to me?”
Remember, you are the one competing. Therefore, your goals should matter most.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How to Manage Thoughts and Emotions in Meaningful Games
- When Emotion and Intelligence Work Hand in Hand
- How Emotions Control you on the Diamond
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