Chapter 13: Life After Sports
When you're a young athlete, it's all about the sport. You eat, breathe, and sleep the sport. It's your life. But what happens when that chapter ends? How do you go from being an athlete to becoming a regular person again? It can be tough to make the transition, but with the right mindset and goal setting, it can be done!
Having a Healthy Mindset is Essential When Transitioning Out of Sports
It's important to remember that your worth as a person doesn't come from your athletic ability. You are so much more than just an athlete. It can be easy to forget this when your entire life has revolved around sports, but it's important to remember that there is more to life than just sports.
One of the most difficult things about transitioning out of sports is having to give up the competitive outlet that you're used to. For many athletes, their sport is a way to blow off steam and release pent-up energy. When you're no longer playing sports, it's important to find a new outlet for that energy. Some people find that running or working out is a good way to release pent-up energy, while others may enjoy painting or hiking. It's important to find an activity that you enjoy, and that helps you relieve stress. You may even be able to find a league organized by the community or your workplace that will allow you to continue competing in a sport you love.
Setting Goals in Other Areas of Life One of the best ways to make the transition is to set goals for yourself in different areas of your life. This will help keep you motivated and on track. Some goal ideas for different areas of your life include: - Career: Set a goal to get a promotion or earn a new certification. - Family: Set a goal to spend more time with your family. - Personal: Set a goal to eat healthily, save money, or run a half marathon. - Spiritual: Set a goal to be more mindful in spiritual practice. No matter what goals you set for yourself, it's important to remember that you are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to. Just because you're no longer an athlete doesn't mean you can't achieve great things! All of the exercises in this workbook apply to every area of life. If you ever feel stuck or have lost momentum, pull out this workbook and redo the self-assessment. It is a good idea to revisit the self-assessment annually (or more often) to reevaluate where you are and where you want to go. Your goals will change throughout your life, and what was once a good goal may no longer be relevant. The bottom line is that you can do anything you set your mind to. You are not defined by your athletic ability, and there is more to life than just sports. With the right mindset and goalsetting, you can transition from sports to life seamlessly! What other goals could you set for yourself in different areas of your life?
Staying Motivated When You Aren’t Playing Sports Find a new competitive outlet: Join or form a team with friends to compete in a sport or activity that you enjoy. This can help keep you motivated and allow you to continue enjoying the competition that comes with playing sports. Find a support system: Family and friends can be a great support system when you're making a transition in your life. They can help you stay motivated and on track. Remember your worth: You are so much more than just an athlete. Remembering this can help you stay motivated and focused on the other areas of your life that are important to you. What are some other ways that you could stay motivated when you don't have a sport to focus on?
Finding New Hobbies and Interests Outside of Sports
One of the best things about transitioning out of sports is that you have more time to explore new hobbies and interests. This can be a great opportunity to try something new that you've always wanted to do. Some ideas for new hobbies and interests include:
Pick up a musical instrument
Learn a new language
Take up painting or photography
Join a book club, recreational league, or play in pick-up games
Start a blog or vlog
Volunteer for a cause that you're passionate about
Start a business
The sky is the limit when it comes to new hobbies and interests. The important thing is to find something that you enjoy, and that helps you stay motivated. What other hobbies and interests would you like to explore?
Transitioning from sports to life can be a difficult process, but it is so important to remember that you are capable of so much more than just playing sports. You have so much to offer the world, and there is no one else like you. With the right mindset and goal setting, you can make the transition seamlessly!