In this 3-part series, I’m talking about the mental game’s importance for athletes at different ages. Last time I talked about athletes up to grade 8. Now let’s look at athletes in high school.
Sports and identity meet in high school.
Performance begins to matter more.
Your reputation will begin to matter more.
For many athletes, particularly young women, there is another new issue: How can I excel… without being “too much”?
The Secret Balancing Act
High school athletes are learning to walk between:
Leadership vs likability
Confidence vs humility
Competitive spirit vs social harmony
Athletes may be complimented on their work ethic — yet, socially evaluated on how assertive or competitive they are.
Therefore, the message is: Stand-out… carefully.
When Success Has Risks
Athletes often times begin to pass instead of shoot; defer instead of lead; downplay achievements; over-apologize.
It’s not that they are less capable.
Success has social costs now.
They’re wondering: Will my confidence cost me acceptance?
This Is Where the Mental Game Becomes Deeper
What is required now is: To own your performance and not shrink from it.
Lessons from elite female athletes (the women’s hockey team in the Olympics) apply here.
Even at the pinnacle of achievement:
Winning does not guarantee that you will not be diminished.
Therefore, the mental skill is: Staying Steady Anyway.
Parallel with Life
Athletes develop skills that will help them in:
Working as a group
Academic competition
Leadership in a social capacity
Athletes learn:
I don’t have to water down my abilities to remain in good standing with others.
This lesson provides a long-term benefit.