The Process of a Thriving Athlete

A Parents Guide to Understanding Thriving in Sports

Author

Fortitude 365
November 23, 2023

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

  • Performance Concept of the week

    • The Process of a Thriving Athlete: A Parents Guide to Understanding and Thriving in Sports

  • Action plan

  • Resource of the week

  • Things to Explore

  • Got Questions?

Performance Concept of the Week

The Process of a Thriving Athlete: A parents guide to understanding thriving in sports

Parenting a competitive or high performance athlete is a rewarding journey, but one that comes with unique challenges along the way. As your athlete navigates the world of competitive or high performance sports, your role as a parent changes and extends beyond cheering from the sidelines. You want to support your athlete to ensure they are thriving in their chosen endeavour. This becomes even more complex if they live away to play their sport.

Fostering a thriving athlete involves not just supporting their physical training but also nurturing their mental and emotional well-being and providing support towards high performance habits. In this article, we'll explore some key strategies for parents to effectively support and encourage the development of a thriving athlete.

What is Thriving?

Thriving in sport is the combination and experience of development and success. It is also an important component of an athlete’s overall wellbeing.

Thriving can be viewed on a continuum. When an athlete is “thriving” they are self-determined and they take action. When they are “striving” or “surviving” there is something else going (or not going on). Check out the thriving graphic below for items to understand the thriving continuum.

Key Take Away - Where on the continuum is your athlete, and how can I support them to take action?

Why is the Notion of Thriving so Important?

When athletes thrive, they experience a balance between physical prowess and mental resilience. Thriving athletes not only perform at their best but also derive a profound sense of satisfaction, purpose, and joy from their sport. This state of thriving is linked to factors such as intrinsic motivation, positive mindset, a strong sense of self, and many other positive factors.

Athletes who thrive are better equipped to navigate challenges, setbacks, and the rigorous demands of their sport, and foster a sustainable and enduring commitment to their athletic pursuits. The benefits of thriving extend beyond the playing field, influencing overall health, lifestyle choices, and personal development. In essence, thriving is the key to unlocking an athlete's full potential, enabling them to not only excel in their sport but also lead a fulfilling and enriching life.

Look for and notice the outcomes of thriving:

  • They are learning

  • They challenge themself

  • They are developing new and existing skills

  • They have a sense of control and achievement

  • They are optimistic

  • They are positive

What Does the Research Say to Help Us?

Brown et al. (2021) research suggests an athlete’s self-determination basic human needs of autonomy (need for individuals to feel a sense of choice, volition, and control over their actions), competence (need to feel effective, capable, and successful in one's activities.), and relatedeness (need for social connections, belongingness, and positive relationships with others) will help the athlete take action towards thriving.

Key Take Away - Support your athlete by having them make choices, point out their successes (big or small), encourage them to be part of the bigger sport community and develop relationships with people throughout sport.

Brown et al (2018) determined eight (8) characteristics of thriving. These include:

  1. Consistent high level performance

  2. Optimistic outlook

  3. Focused and in control

  4. Awareness of areas to improve

  5. High levels of motivation

  6. Upward progression

  7. Holistic development

  8. Sense of belonging

Key Take Away - Look for these characteristics in your athlete. If you feel something might be off, speak to them, or have them speak to a mental performance consultant or trusted coach for an independent voice. If you feel they are thriving in an area - tell them!

In their 2018 study noted above, Brown et al. (2018) also determined ways to facilitate thriving. These included:

  1. High quality relationships (ensure they socialize with others)

  2. Coach support

  3. Family support

  4. Support staff support

  5. Teammate support

  6. A positive training environment

  7. Exposure to pressure (so they know what it feels like when they need it)

Key Take Away - Facilitate these above by encouraging open communication with people around them, a positive attitude, a growth mindset, self-discipline and commitment, and a take action approach to preparation and performance.

Summary

Remember supporting a thriving athlete requires a holistic approach that nurtures both physical and mental well-being. Keep in mind the journey is as important as the destination, and your unwavering support will contribute significantly to your athlete’s success both on and off the field of play.

Action Plan

This week’s action plan includes observing and taking action to support thriving in your athlete.

  1. Foster Autonomy:

    • Action Step: Allow your athlete to have a voice and choice. Encourage them to take ownership of their athletic career.

  2. Promote Positive Open Communication:

    • Action Step: Establish open lines of communication. Regularly check in with your athlete about their experiences, challenges, and successes. Provide constructive feedback and actively listen to their thoughts and feelings.

  3. Celebrate Effort and Improvement:

    • Action Step: Focus on acknowledging the effort your athlete puts into their sport and celebrate improvements, no matter how small. Emphasize the importance of the learning process and the journey rather than just outcomes.

  4. Mange Expectations with Realistic Goals:

    • Action Step: Understand your athlete’s expectations. Goals are a specific, achievable target you want to achieve in a timeframe. Expectations are beliefs about what you think should happen in the future.

      • Goals keep you focus on the process, expectations if not met create anxiety, stress, and crush confidence.

  5. Prioritize Well-being:

    • Action Step: Emphasize the importance of rest, proper nutrition, hydration, and mental health. Ensure your athlete maintains a balanced lifestyle, avoiding excessive pressure on sports performance at the expense of their overall well-being.

  6. Support Team Dynamics:

    • Action Step: Encourage positive relationships with teammates, coaches, and others in the sports community. Attend team events, foster a sense of camaraderie, and address any interpersonal issues proactively.

Resource of the Week

Thriving, has strong roots in our habits, and athlete wellbeing. Check out our infographic on how habits and mental skills interact to help athletes thrive!

Things to Explore

Got Questions?

Do you have a question, or want to know more about a topic. Let our team of experts help you. Ask your question here by clicking the button below. We will post answers to questions within future newsletters.

Don’t forget to follow us on social!