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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The Mental Edge for Ball Players (Digital Download)
“The Mental Edge for Ball Players” audio and workbook program teaches you to get a competitive edge in baseball and softball by overcoming a lack of focus, low self-confidence and other mental game obstacles. Learn practical mental strategies to improve your performance in competition.
“A quick note to let you know how effective your programs worked for my son who is 17 and plays varsity baseball in VA. In late 2009, I ordered the “Relaxed Athlete Program” for my son because I saw he was pressing too hard at the plate and had disappointing results for his season. Thanks to your programs, my son now has a completely new approach to the game of baseball (and school) and it’s more fun for him now. He made all-district player at his position and hit .443 this season. A complete 180 degree turn around from last year.”
~Mark M., Sports Parent
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