Thanksgiving marks the season for contemplation and this year’s end becomes next year’s beginning. This always leads me to gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful emotion but can it help you perform at a higher level in team sports?
Here’s how I look at it:
1) I am grateful to many people throughout my life who have helped me in my journey. Achievements of all sizes and shapes are directly and indirectly guided by others. Some of the people I am grateful to everyone who may have had a short-term negative effect but I now realize I needed it to move forward…I am grateful to them as well!
2) If I want to perform my best to show “thanks” than I need to give my best in all my preparation. If I give my very best when I’m by myself then it’s easier to give my best at a team workout. After I’ve given my best in those two settings, I am prepared to “give thanks” on game day. (This “attitude” becomes contagious and will help your teammates give their best!) Nothing in life gets easier, just be as prepared as possible when necessary.
3) The only “thank you” in my mind worth the value of someone else’s mentorship is by giving my very best energy, effort and enthusiasm in whatever I pursue. Speaking “thanks” to someone is a good start but acting it out “says” a lot more. The true test is…giving, giving & giving some more and never expecting anything in return.
Create more awareness to identify your gratitude and it will be the fuel that helps you become a more complete competitor.
