How To Manage Expectations In Sport

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How To Manage Expectations In Sport

Expectations play a critical role in the world of sports, influencing performance, motivation and overall expereince. Managing these expectations effectively can be the difference between success and disappointment.

Understanding Expectations

Types of Expectations:

1. Self-Expectations
2. External Expectations
3. Performance Expectations

The Impact of Expectations

1. The impact of positive expectations: When well managed can be motivating, enhance focus and resilience.
2. The impact of negative expectations: Poorly managed expectations can lead to stress, anxiety and burnout. Can lead to a frustration of failure and disappointment.

Strategies to Manage Expectations in Sport

1. Setting Goals - this can enhance focus and confidence as you are clear on what you are working on in your sport.
2. Focus on Process Not Outcome - concentrating on the effort, the methodology rather than the result can reduce pressure and expectation. You are fostering a growth mindset.
3. Self Reflection & Adjustment - regular self reflection allows the space to adjust goals and expectations based on your current performance. It is crucial for sustained progress and mental well-being.
4. Constructive Feedback - Be open to feedback from your coach, team and others who are supportive of your sports journey. Also your awarenesses you are creating as you reflect will provide feedback on what to work on.
5. Supportive Environment - You want to receive encouragement from yourself, your coach, your team, playering partners, your family and anyone else that is supporting you as you are playing the sport you love. The key here is to foster a supportive and positive sports experience.
6. Avoid Comparison - Do not compare yourself to others. Remember you are on your journey of your sport and your progress will differ from others and be ok with that. What you want to do here if focus on the achievements of your progress, your little wins and the PB's (your personal best). You are the most important person playing the sport. This is about you gaining enjoyment from what you are doing.
7. Enjoy the Ride - You are playing this sport because you enjoy it. It's not about the wins or the losses (even though the wins are fun and the losses are learnings). This is about you showing up and doing the best you can on the day, enjoying who you are with and just have lots of fun along the way.

Managing expectations in sport is a balance of all of these strategies mentioned above. It can enhance your performance, motivate you and keep you focused. Ultimately the goal is to ensure that expectations contribute to a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

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Dream Big, Beleive In You & Go After Your Dreams.

Tiff :)

Tiffany Mika

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