One of the most undervalued elements of any athlete training to attain a desired level of skill at their sport is fun.
To succeed, fun does not necessarily have to be sacrificed. It is assumed at times wrongly that training involves or should involve long hours of suffering to achieve ones goals.
As a sportsperson, it is not shameful to admit that there was fun involved in their journey to succeed. It is true to say that enjoyment in sport, is likely to make you better at it. Research by psychologists on elite performers shows that what separates the very best from the mere competent is not just hard work, but their ability to enjoy the steps along the road to success.
What a sportsperson should realise is that after countless hours spent training they should not just judge themselves by the net results alone, but also by the satisfaction of honing their skills and self purpose. It is fortunate for them to have found a purposeful way to spend time.
Trophies and medals are good on their own way, however, the journey along the way matters and it should be enjoyable.
Furthermore, what they should remember is that they should enjoy their journey, even the hard parts because it will be the enjoying bit that makes them so good at their sport!
Athletes who have managed to reach their ultimate goals, for an example being an Olympian should not feel downcast after the glow of their success fades. They should always remember that they are the lucky ones!
To succeed, fun does not necessarily have to be sacrificed. It is assumed at times wrongly that training involves or should involve long hours of suffering to achieve ones goals.
As a sportsperson, it is not shameful to admit that there was fun involved in their journey to succeed. It is true to say that enjoyment in sport, is likely to make you better at it. Research by psychologists on elite performers shows that what separates the very best from the mere competent is not just hard work, but their ability to enjoy the steps along the road to success.
What a sportsperson should realise is that after countless hours spent training they should not just judge themselves by the net results alone, but also by the satisfaction of honing their skills and self purpose. It is fortunate for them to have found a purposeful way to spend time.
Trophies and medals are good on their own way, however, the journey along the way matters and it should be enjoyable.
Furthermore, what they should remember is that they should enjoy their journey, even the hard parts because it will be the enjoying bit that makes them so good at their sport!
Athletes who have managed to reach their ultimate goals, for an example being an Olympian should not feel downcast after the glow of their success fades. They should always remember that they are the lucky ones!