{"id":1097,"date":"2023-10-26T01:25:36","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T17:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matoproject.com\/?p=1097"},"modified":"2023-10-26T01:28:56","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T17:28:56","slug":"6-steps-to-helping-shape-mentally-resilient-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matoproject.com\/coaching\/6-steps-to-helping-shape-mentally-resilient-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Steps to Helping Shape Mentally Resilient Athletes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TEACHING ATHLETES TO SUCCEED ON THE FIELD AND IN LIFE!<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

BUILDING TRUST WITH EMPLOYEES REQUIRES 2 ACTIONS FROM LEADERS:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1 \u2013 HELP ATHLETES DISCOVER THEIR AUTHENTIC SELF<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The more aware we are about our authentic self, the more we are able to hold ourselves accountable, recognize when we step out of that version of ourselves, and stop putting our worth in external factors. Help your athletes discover their core values and who they are when they\u2019re at their best. Provide coaching, feedback, and recognition around this.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 \u2013 BE AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT WARRIOR FOR ATHLETES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each of us needs an emotional support system and people whose presence makes it safe enough for us to open up and tell the truth. When we don\u2019t have that, we keep our feelings to ourselves, we experience shame, and often behave in unhealthy ways. If you want to get the best out of your players then mentally push them on the field and emotionally support them off of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 \u2013 VALIDATE FEELINGS BEFORE TRYING TO SOLVE PROBLEMS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI imagine you\u2019re so hurt because you worked harder than you\u2019ve ever worked, you felt like you were finally ready, and you are disappointed that it didn\u2019t work out the way you wanted it to.\u201d Validating someone\u2019s feelings does not mean you agree with them. It is giving them permission to feel what they feel so you build stronger trust and connection. When this happens, you put your athletes in a stronger place to hear you. Remember: empathy first, information second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 \u2013 TEACH ATHLETES TO REFRAME THEIR EXPERIENCES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It can often feel like the world is caving in on you when you\u2019re in the middle of a difficult situation. It often takes someone else to help us realize every experience is an opportunity to learn about ourselves and others. Teaching athletes how to reframe their experiences (once they are no longer emotionally hijacked) helps athletes see that mistakes are for learning. It also teaches them that failure is not a permanent condition. Ask athletes, \u201cWhat does this experience teach you about yourself, the game, relationships, life?\u201d or \u201cHow will you choose to be better because of this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 \u2013 EMPOWER ATHLETES TO TAKE FORWARD ACTION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We want athletes who do not stay a victim to their circumstance, but who reflect and then rise up stronger and take decisive action. When athletes focus on what they can control they feel more empowered and they step back into their personal power. Coaches can ask, \u201cWhat action(s) do you need or want to take for your own emotional healing and growth?\u201d or \u201cWhat action could you take to start getting back to your best self?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 \u2013 CREATE THE SPACE TO PRACTICE MENTAL TOUGHNESS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Resiliency can be taught, but it is developed through experience and practice. Give your athletes difficult (if not impossible) drills to achieve. Watch how they respond. Have them analyze how they\u2019re feeling, the impact of those feelings, and what informed decision they want to make next. You will teach your athletes that they are not responsible for the discomfort they find themselves in, but they are responsible for how they react in that discomfort. Additionally, you teach them to form habits that will serve them better in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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