An Athlete’s Work Is Never Finished
Competing as a college athlete was one of the most defining experiences of my life.
I learned about more than just perseverance and commitment; being an athlete afforded me the chance to become a leader and to navigate team dynamics in a way that only sports can teach you. Undoubtedly, sports are one of the most effective personal development tools, especially for young people, and the lessons I’ve learned have been applicable in both my personal and professional lives.
My own relationship with my athletic identity didn’t come as easily as I would have liked. As much as I became frustrated with progress or attaining goals I set for myself, I ultimately grew to love everything that sports teach us about ourselves and how they shape who we become in and out of competition. My experience was so impactful that I worked professionally within an athletic environment at the premier Jewish sports organization facilitating the third largest global sporting event behind the Olympics.
Serving athletes is one of the main reasons that I entered the world of coaching.
Unlike their non-competitive counterparts, athletes face unique obstacles that challenge how we identify ourselves beyond our competitive careers including, but not limited to:
Transitioning from college to professional play
Transferring from one university to another
Deciding to retire or play professionally
Entering the workforce after playing professionally
Creating an identity beyond athletics
Building supportive habits and practices in and out of competition
This year, I’ve had the privilege of working with an NCAA athlete. We’ve spent a lot of time focused on his desire to build new, healthier habits. Whether we’re at work, at home, or competing at the highest levels of sports, we often perpetuate the same patterns that prevent us from being as effective as we want to be. Awareness of these patterns and our habits allows us to consider new approaches to progress assuredly.
During a session, this athlete expressed frustration at his tendency to rush through academic tasks. Throughout our discussion, he realized that this lack of patience was both present and just as much a detriment in his athletic performances.
Changing behavior only begins when the pattern that holds you back from being your best is identified.
This epiphany meant that this athlete took his first step in breaking an established pattern and actively chose to create lasting, meaningful change in his life, for which his athletic and academic identities benefitted by extension.
Change and growth are possible. The key is understanding how to manifest change from within that can easily translate to various realms of our lives. Imagine being able to outperform yourself and exceed your own expectations consistently - this is the power of coaching.