Super athletes do not quit. Super athletes are always trying to win. They look for any opportunity that will help them gain a competitive edge over their competition. This attitude is not only relevant to sports, but also for success outside of the games. Quitting can block you from the circumstances that would have allowed you to gain knowledge and access to any person, place, or thing, that could help you advance to your next level.
I don’t want to play anymore. I’m going to quit.
Several times in my athletic career, I wanted to quit. In fact, I did quit a couple of times, only to return within a few days, even hours. It would be hard for me to imagine how my character, and professional career, would be now if I had followed through with quitting.
There may come a time when you will want to quit. Some of you may want to quit because you feel you don’t get as much playing time as you think you should. Maybe you’re tired of the physical and emotional pressures that are a part of playing sports. Maybe you’ve simply lost interest and just don’t want to play anymore.
But, before you quit remember why you started playing.
Was it for pure enjoyment, just to have something to do, or were you playing to escape from an undesirable situation?
Please note that there is nothing wrong with any of those reasons.
However, when those reasons are no longer valid, it can be difficult for you to stay motivated to keep playing.
So, what do you do?
You create other reasons to continue to play. Not just any reasons, but reasons that could benefit you in the future. Replace thoughts of quitting with those associated with finding and recognizing how to take advantage of opportunities open to you.
For example, if you’re in high school, would it look good on a college application? If you’re in college, would it make you a more attractive candidate in your career?
Taking this approach could motivate you to continue because it helps give meaning. What does this mean for my life?
So, next time you think about quitting, I encourage you to ask yourself a few questions.
What will I do instead of playing? What benefits do I have by being on the team? Can I get those benefits some other way at less the cost? What was I planning to do after I finished playing? Whom do I need to know or be in contact with to help me into my next level? Would my chances increase if I continue to play? Would my resume or applications be more appealing if I play?
Quitting is only an option when playing has served its purpose in your life. Which means it can no longer help you win in your next level of life.
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Browse my website 5starattitude.com for more information about how to become a super athlete.
About the Author: Geraline L. Handsome has developed a passion to help high school and college athletes of team sports discover their identity. She is a former Women’s Basketball Player for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). There she earned a B.S. degree in chemistry/mathematics. She has a MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is an Environmental Scientist and the mother of two. She is the author of the book Sins of One Woman’s Mind and was a Huffington Post Contributor.
Geraline Handsome has developed the Creating the Super Athlete Course (Audio/Video), a product designed to help parents and coaches help their athletes develop attitudes and character that will enable them to perform better in their sport, in the classroom, and in public.
