How To Stay Motivated as an Athlete

To be your best, you must put a lot of time and effort into your sport, BUT there are going to be times when you don't feel very motivated, and that’s normal! When you feel this way, it’s important to remind yourself why you're working so hard and focus on your long-term goals.

Here are a few ways to help athletes stay motivated during the off-season:

SET SMART GOALS.

There are few things more rewarding and motivating than setting a goal, putting effort toward the goal and achieving the goal. Making sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely is the best way to achieve a greater sense of accomplishment.

WORK ON YOUR WEAKNESSES.

View this time as a great opportunity work on your weaknesses. Whether it’s to clean up your form, work on your mobility, or maybe even strengthen your mental game.

HAVE A TRAINING PARTNER.

There are going to be some days when you just don't feel like getting out there and no matter how hard you push yourself; you will work twice as hard if you have someone pushing you. Share your goals with someone at home or online and have them hold you accountable!

MAKE THE TIME.

Set aside time to get active. You need to focus on being the best you first, and that requires you to be healthy and fit. Prioritize yourself and your fitness, so you can better help the situation for all. Sometimes that means waking up earlier or getting a shorter circuit in. Regardless you’ll be glad you did it!

KEEP THE FIRE ALIVE.

Don’t let the season waste away. Remember that the gratification comes from the day-to-day effort and be sure to reconnect to your ‘why’. Use this as an opportunity to stay focused. This will allow you to come out of this time feeling stronger and ready to build on what you have, rather than starting from scratch.

These techniques are effective in increasing your short-term motivation; however, motivation must ultimately come from within. You must simply WANT to participate and improve in your sport to stay motivated!