These are extraordinary times. It’s all so unexpected and feels so unfair. You’ve pushed your body hard to improve your skills and conditioning, and just when you’re getting into flow, your season canceled with no word on when it might start up again. It sucks. I feel for you.
But that’s the nature of sports. It’s uncertain. Because no matter how much you practice and prepare, there are always things (e.g., weather, crowds, officials, cheating, injuries, etc.) that are out of your control. And that’s why no one can predict with absolute certainty who will win and who will lose. That’s what makes sports exciting. That’s what makes it worthwhile.
So what do you do with the sudden break? Do you waste time and energy worrying about forces beyond your sphere of influence? Or, do you focus on things that you can control? I vote for the latter. It’s the smarter play.
So get back up, Athlete! And be grateful for the things you can do right now.
Heal Your Injuries
If you have been nursing an injury, it’s time to let it fully heal. In the success-driven book, Peak Performance, Steve Magness & Brad Stulberg promote the formula for better performance as “Stress + Rest = Growth.” It’s such a simple concept, yet many of us fumble the execution by devaluing rest and overvaluing stress, which can lead to injuries and burnout.
Set Up Your Strong Comeback
Don’t leave it up to your coach to teach you everything. Go online and learn more about your sport from players and coaches who are at a higher level than you. The more you know about how and why things work, the more your play will improve.
Practice your mental focus and discipline by planning a solo, strength-and-cardio fitness routine and sticking to it. Be sure to include exercises (e.g., hip bridges or crab walks with a band) that will address any biomechanical issues you have, like weak glutes or weak hips.
Make a Difference
Inventor, R. Buckminster Fuller once said, “It is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person.”
Athlete, you are that one person. Instead of concentrating on what you may or may not have lost, think about what you can give. Use the desire you have to compete to spread as much light and love as you can.
The future is unknown, but the present is yours. And right now, your talents for pushing through and overcoming adversity are needed off the field.
Well wishes to you and yours,
Martise
