Motivation is a very important factor when it comes to performance. We all want to feel proud and motivated in everyday life. But when you are young athlete things are not always on the right track.
Young athletes who are about to become or already are professionals need to stay motivated all way through, every single day. That is not an easy task, especially when there is a lot of distractions around – nightouts, parties, delicious unhealthy food and drinks etc.
Young athletes need to organize their daily activities to be both effecient and effective at the same time.
But how to find and maintain motivation?
There are few important motivators for the improvement and high self-esteem:
- Feedback for what they do well, what they need to change and how to stay focused
- Rewards for their effort and commitment, no matter how small
- Strong encouraged teamwork when they belong to the team
Being young athlete means a lot of sacrifice, compromise and discipline and that can be pretty tough at young age.
So family, coach and mentor have main role in helping them to believe in their dreams and abilities; to encourage them to keep trying no matter what and point out their step-by-step progress and success. To stand there and be there for them in every day situations and especially when there is a lack of motivation and will.
Being there for them will keep them safe, encouraged, and show them they are important and capable no matter how big are their results at the moment.
Also, specific literature, documentaries, psychology articles can be useful – to show them they are not alone and they are able to kick off almost every obstacle ahead.
Sometimes, therapists may have a key role in (re)organizing priorities and encouraging motivation.
However, young athletes are even stronger then they can imagine, and good and bad periods are normally present in every profession and self improvement.
Staying on track and being back on track – that’s the key.
