The Mental Edge 27 Jan 2023

It can be very difficult to get away from the score, the leaderboard or results.  After all, that’s why people often play their sport, for the competitive element – right?

You play to win, you hate getting beat.  You will do whatever it takes to win. You might sulk at home and be horrible to live with when you lose.  Or if you’re a child you may throw tantrums and cry on the journey home if things don’t go according to plan.

Is this a bad thing? 

In my opinion, NO most definitely not.  Can you tell me an athlete who has been successful but hasn’t had this edge.  When the opportunity to change the game or win is there, they’ll do their damnest to make it happen.

The difficult one, especially for parents and for loved one’s and friends is when the person’s behaviour is off.  When they won’t talk or sulk because of losses.  I’m sure we’ve all been there and seen it, and possibly done it ourselves.  I know I did in my younger days! 😊

Where does this behaviour come from? 

Often in addition to being fiercely competitive if an athlete is extrinsically motivated but doesn’t have awareness of this, they can create an awful amount of pressure on themselves.  An athlete who is extrinsically motivated is driven by external rewards and by other people.  They thrive off trophies, praise from coaches, parents, team-mates or the media.   this is when it can become tricky.

So how do you support an athlete who is highly competitive and extrinsically motivated?

For more read this blog post.