RISING TO THE CHALLENGE WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGHER

“Congratulations! You’ve made the team!” These are words that so many student-athletes work so hard to hear.

But what if, after hearing the good news, reality starts to set in, and you find yourself panicking and thinking, “Uh-oh, now what?”

It’s okay. Breathe. You’ve got this.

Whether you’re changing schools, moving up from JV to Varsity, or moving on from high school, learning how to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be comes with a lot of (often self-induced) pressure.

When the Friday night lights shine, and the stakes feel higher than ever, you can ready yourself and rise to the challenge by adopting a growth mindset.

To start seeing challenges as opportunities both on and off the field, elevate your mind and embrace the thrill of a new season by following these essential tips.

It’s a Game of Inches

It’s understandable to feel out of your depth in any new environment. The fear of the unknown can be a powerful emotion. Always remember, however, that excitement and fear are two sides of the same coin. Use your nervous energy to motivate yourself to learn more about your new school or team. Even small steps can open you up to new opportunities and connections.

Try this: Observe and research the new team or school’s culture, expectations, and key players.

Create A New Playbook

When faced with a big challenge, it helps to break it down into smaller, more obtainable benchmarks. You’ve already proven that you are capable of setting and meeting goals. Now, it’s simply time to create new ones. Start by setting achievable short-term goals to build confidence and track progress.

Try this: Visualize what you want to accomplish and align your efforts accordingly.

Huddle Up

No one achieves greatness alone. Find an experienced mentor who can provide guidance and build a support network of peers and friends who can offer advice and encouragement.

Try this: Act the way you would like others to act toward you. Highlight your strengths, be encouraging, and help your teammates move past setbacks or mistakes.

No Pain, No Gain

The best way to grow is by soliciting feedback and applying it. After all, that’s what it means to be coachable! Don’t be afraid to ask questions for clarity and understanding. You can’t improve if you don’t know what you need to work on.

Try this: Practice active listening. There is value in learning from others and showing respect for others’ advice and opinions.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

If your self-confidence needs a boost, remind yourself why you were chosen or promoted to this new team. Remember that it’s not just your talent that got you where you are but also your willingness to learn. Stay resilient and adaptable.

Try this: Focus on progress, not perfection. Be open to new training methods, bounce back from setbacks, and remain true to your goals.

A Special Note to Parents

Meet your student-athletes where they are and try to relate to them on their level. Share your experiences and insights on overcoming similar challenges when you were their age or how those lessons apply to your life today. EleVive specializes in sports psychology and helps student-athletes master their mental game so they can play at their peak performance.

Learn more at EleVive.com.