Feeling TRAPPED as an Athlete??? How to PLAY FREE in Your Game (and in Life)
Do you feel like you are underperforming?
Sometimes you feel:
- Slow
- Stuck
- Just a little bit “Off”
You know you have the potential inside you because you are able to execute highly in practice,
But when the game is on the line,
You freeze up and miss your opportunities.
And this leaves you feeling worried about how others are judging your performance, such as:
- Your coach
- Your teammates
- Your family and friends
Look, I know …
Feeling trapped as an athlete absolutely SUCKS!!!
Throughout my career as an athlete,
There were many times I felt trapped as well.
I knew I had the potential inside me as I would perform well in practice,
But there were moments I would freeze up during crunch time and I would let my opportunities slip away.
After the game, I’d berate myself:
“How could I miss my mark?!?”
However, through this process,
I discovered how I could play freely as an athlete,
And today we will talk about:
3 Areas to enable you to play FREELY in your game, and in the Larger Game of Life
Freedom in Your Craft
As an athlete, your Craft is your sport.
Master the skills of your sport.
Intentionally practice the skills and techniques to enable you to excel in your sport.
- If you play basketball, work on your shot
- If you golf, work on the mechanics of your swing
- If you play softball or baseball, work on taking grounders and fly balls
Condition your body so you can move and function optimally.
Make sure you are following a well-rounded training program that targets the energy systems and movement patterns of your sport to enhance your abilities.
Study the intricacies, nuances, and ins and outs of the strategy of your sport.
This will help you become a complete athlete and be the smartest player you can be.
Study the greats in your sport and watch your own game film to help you understand how you can improve.
Freedom in Your Mind
Train your mind so you can sink into the Zone effortlessly and at ease.
Focus on one thing at a time.
Be able to hold your attention only on the present moment.
- If you are practicing, focus only on your practice
- If you are doing chores, focus only on the task at hand
- If you are doing homework, shut off all other distractions and zone in on your homework
Remain cool, calm, and composed in pressure situations.
Slow down your breathing so you can regulate your Nervous System.
Develop your mental toughness and resilience.
Push your edges in your training and take on challenging tasks in your daily life.
Freedom to Play for a Greater Cause Beyond the Game Itself
Every time you step into practice, a training session, or a game, play for your:
- Enjoyment
- Inspiration
- Passion
And for the enjoyment, inspiration, and passion of others:
- Your team
- Your school
- Your community
3 Ways to Play Freely in Your Game
- Freedom in Your Craft
- Freedom in Your Mind
- Freedom to Play for a Greater Cause Beyond the Game Itself
And these three areas will enable you to play freely in the Larger Game of Your Life.
Freedom in Your Craft
In life, your Craft is what you absolutely love to do.
- Your calling
- Your passion
- Your purpose
Discover what it is and become the best at it you can possibly be.
Master the skills and study the nuances, intricacies, and ins and outs of it.
Freedom in Your Mind
Focus fully on the present moment.
Remain cool, calm, and composed in pressure-filled situations through the storms Life may provide.
Develop the mental toughness and resilience to become the person you were meant to be.
Freedom to Play for a Greater Cause Beyond the Game Itself
In everything you do, do it for your:
- Enjoyment
- Inspiration
- Passion
And for the enjoyment, inspiration, and passion of others:
- Your community
- Your family, friends, and coworkers
- And eventually to the world as a whole
I wish you well on your journey of playing freely in your game, and in the Larger Game of Life, and I look forward to seeing you next week.
Inspiring YOU every step of your way,
Kyle
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