Sports Lessons For Life

During the track season we focus on practices, the right shoes, right attiude and helping our youth athlete do their best. What we know almost intuitively, but may not fully be aware of is that our children’s practice, participation competition is preparing him for a much great stage beyond the track.

The stage of entreprenuer-business owner. Most parents readily agree that there are many lessons that a youth athlete learns while participating in sports.

What some may not realize is that there are so many lessons that apply directly to the on going thought process of business creation and development . Today’s recreational youth track athlete may be tomorrows CEO or Entrepreneur.

Buliding a Leader

According to many CEO’s sports may be a better training ground than any business school. In a Harvard Business School study almost all respondents had played a sport and many were individual sports “Many felt strongly that competitive sports had prepared them not just to compete in life but also to deal well with winning, with losing, with setbacks, with training, and perhaps most importantly, with others,” the report states.

Skills that seem to be developed during participation best, stand out most are:

Self Management

Understanding what is needed to accomplish individual goals of the sport for self and team. Knowing what to do next in the process of managing the participation (eating, practice, time constraints) Setting goals and meeting them. Knowing you can meet them from past experience. Being one’s own coach at times and enjoying the freedom of such.

Teamwork

Listening and processing a plan of action for the greater good of the group and yourself. Working with others closely in pressure filled moments. Understanding the change in the atmosphere sometimes second by second.

Habits that reinforce these to major skills they is, Focus the ability to block out distractions even when there is lot going on around you, not allowing anything to take away concentration from the most important task at hand. Using effectively technique applications such as; deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to positive mental imagery. Calming them when excitement or nerves could prevail.

High performers set “Process goals” instead of “outcome goals,” One step at a time. Charlie Brown, director of FPS Performance, a coaching firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. Says that means” they mentally divide competitions into tasks that will lead to victory, then focus on executing each task and not on the victory itself. A top runner, for example, won’t say “I’m going to win the 100-meter dash,” but will concentrate on calming herself before the gun goes off, then on establishing a smooth stride”.

Sports Is A Good Deal For Our Kids

Sports provide a positive learning experience that will enhance your child’s ability to develop self confidence, good sportsmanship and teamwork skills. Sports also teach all of us to work hard and have a little fun at the same time.

Perhaps the greatest life lessons are learned in sports. Winning does not come easy; you’ve got to work for it. “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Life isn’t fair, “Winners don’t win al the time”, sometimes you give it your all and you still lose. When you lose, pick yourself up and try again.

Until Next Time,