Building Foundational Habits

Hi Everyone, thanks for checking out this week’s newsletter. Below you'll find:

• Performance Concept of the week

  • Building Foundational Habits: The Importance of Developing Foundational Habits with Your High-Performance Athlete

• Action plan

• Resource of the week

• Things to Explore

Performance Concept of the Week

Building Foundational Habits: The Importance of Developing Foundational Habits with Your High Performance Athlete

Introduction

As a parent of a competitive or high-performance athlete, you play a crucial role in shaping your athlete’s success in sports. While talent and training are undoubtedly essential, the foundation for long-term achievement lies in developing good habits. The reality is while talent may not be the same in every athlete, our ability to develop elite habits is.

In this article, we'll explore the significance of cultivating elite habits that will enhance your athlete's mental and physical performance, and how you can support them in building these habits.

Consistency

One of the most valuable lessons parents can impart and support to their athlete is the importance of consistency. Encourage your athlete to establish consistent routines, including regular practice sessions, conditioning, skill development, nutrition, hydration, mental preparation and mental health, rest, recovery and much more. This consistency not only helps improve skills but also builds discipline and dedication which will also impact motivation.

Time Management

Balancing training and competing obligations, academics, training, and social life can be challenging for competitive and high performance athletes. They give so much to their sport that sometimes they have to deal with competing demands. Developing strong time management skills will help your athlete stay organized and reduce stress. When stress is reduced their performance will be enhanced. Encourage them to maintain a well-structured daily schedule that includes time for studying, training, and relaxation.

Goal Setting and Planning

Goal setting and planning are critical when it comes to habits. Think about it, when you do not plan out what you are going to eat what happens? You eat fast food, or highly processed food. Planning just about anything in life works the same way, when we do not plan we make poor decisions. Whether it's aiming to improve their personal best time or striving for a spot on the team, goal setting provides direction and motivation. Help your athlete by consistently reminding them about their goals, how effort impacts achieving them, and how there will be adversity along the way, but they can push through it through proper planning.

Self-Discipline and Mental Toughness or Mental Agility

Sports often require athletes to push through adversity, setbacks, and challenging moments. Constantly remind your athlete about the importance of self-discipline and mental toughness or mental agility (Mental toughness/Agility is a belief system you use to think and behave). Encourage them to stay focused on their goals, even when faced with obstacles. This resilience will serve them well both in sports and in life.

Nutrition and Rest

Good habits extend beyond training and competition. Proper nutrition and adequate rest are fundamental for an athlete's physical and mental well-being and performance. Support your athlete by helping them with a balanced diet, hydration, and quality sleep. These habits are essential for optimal recovery and peak performance.

Balancing Competition and Fun

While it's essential to foster a competitive spirit, it's equally crucial to ensure that your child enjoys their chosen sport. Avoid excessive pressure and maintain a healthy balance between competition and fun. Remember that long-term success often hinges on the athlete's passion for their sport. Support their passion in as many ways as you can.

Seeking Support

No athlete succeeds in isolation. Encourage your athlete to seek support and guidance from coaches, mentors, sports psychology professionals, mentors, and other trusted support network folks. These professionals can provide valuable insights and help your athlete develop their skills and mindset, but more importantly help with self-awareness and perspective.

Summary

In nurturing your athlete's potential, developing good habits is paramount. These habits not only enhance their performance but also instill valuable life skills such as discipline, goal-setting, and resilience. As a parent, your support and guidance can make a significant difference in your athlete’s journey towards becoming a successful high-performance athlete. So, continue to be their biggest cheerleader and mentor as they pursue their athletic dreams.

Action Plan

Take inventory of your competitive or high performance athlete’s foundational habits from the list above:

1. Which habits do they do well with?

2. What habits do they need to develop further proficiency with?

3. How can I support the habits in both 1 and 2?

Resource of the Week

Want to learn how to build effective elite habits? Check our Building High Performance Habits & Resource Guide below.

Things to Explore

• Read: Our Reading Library

• Download: Resource Guide Series

• View: Previous Weekly Performance Concepts

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