Performance psychology has long been focused on optimising an athlete's mental game for peak performance. But what happens when the focus is solely on the athlete’s success?
How can we sustain that success when we forget about the human behind the athlete?
It’s easy to view a professional athlete’s life as a dream, filled with privilege and accolades. However, 'athlete privilege' is not without its challenges. Professional athletes are constantly under scrutiny, with their worth often determined by their performance in highly competitive environments. For many at the top of their game, job security is a daily concern. Combine this pressure with an identity that is deeply tied to their sport, and athletes can easily begin to question their value once their career comes to an end.
When an athlete’s identity is solely defined by their sport, it can have significant consequences, not only on their performance but also on their well-being and mental health.
A narrow sense of self can lead to a fear of failure, a lack of direction or purpose outside of sport, and, ultimately, burnout.
The reality is that no career – especially in professional sports – lasts forever. Life as an athlete is as fleeting and impermanent as it gets. When your identity is confined to what you do rather than who you are, life can become unstable, and at times, quite terrifying.
So, what can be done to ensure the success of athletes beyond the game?
Here are five strategies to support athletes' well-being, both on and off the field:
1. Value Athletes as People First, Athletes Second
Remind athletes that they are valuable beyond their sporting career. Encourage them to explore and understand their identity outside of the sport. Athletes, take the time to connect with who you are beyond your sport, and embrace the richness of your life as a whole person.
2. Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Outcome
The outcome of any career is the sum of all the steps it took to get there. Consider your values and who you want to become, and ensure you’re not fixated on the fleeting moments of success while missing out on the process. The work and growth that happens along the way is just as important as the end result.
3. Plan for a Life Beyond Sport
While your sport is your passion, it’s important to explore other interests, strengths, and opportunities. Consider developing a “Plan B” for when your sporting career inevitably comes to an end. There will come a time when you won’t have your sport, and having a range of interests and skills will help ease that transition.
4. Broaden Your Knowledge and Experiences
Seek opportunities to learn new skills, gain knowledge, and engage in experiences that are not solely related to your sport. Build a value system that can support you long after your competitive days are over. This will not only enhance your personal growth but also provide greater resilience during times of change.
5. Prioritise Your Mental Health & Relationships
How you handle life’s demands will directly impact your ability to cope with the pressures of your sport. Take care of your mental health, nurture your relationships, and create a strong support system outside of performance. It’s crucial to ensure that your life is not solely about “doing” but about nurturing the aspects of life that keep you grounded, resilient, and healthy so you can handle hard moments in sport, and also in life.
Being an athlete is a tremendous achievement, but it doesn’t define who you are. By taking the time to invest in yourself as a person first, you can build a fulfilling life that lasts well beyond your sporting days The journey is long, and how you show up – day by day – will be the true measure of success.
