Читать книгу Sports Psychology For Dummies - Leif H. Smith - Страница 87

Conflict with your coaches or teammates can drain your motivation. In fact, many athletes have left their teams or sports because of this kind of conflict.

The key is to realize that conflicts with coaches and teammates are part of the athletic experience. You just need to address any conflicts as quickly and as effectively as possible, to minimize their impact on your motivation.

You don’t have control over your teammates and coaches, but you do have control over your own attitude and how you handle your relationships with them.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with relationship conflicts:

 If there is a conflict, address it as soon as possible. Holding onto anger, resentment, and bitterness, or simply being confused about why the conflict exists, drains your physical and mental energy and depletes your motivation.

 Keep your focus on your own attitude and what you want to communicate. Differences in opinions and personality styles are part of life. Focus on getting better as an athlete, and those conflicts won’t hurt your motivation.

 Try to understand the other person’s point of view first. You already know where you’re coming from — if you understand how the other person feels, you’ll be closer to resolving the conflict and moving on.

 When you’re in conflict with a coach, remember that you’re ultimately in a one-down position. The coach is the final judge and jury. Convey your opinion, but keep in mind that the coach’s opinion takes priority.

 Try not to take anything personally. Although not taking things personally may seem impossible, you can do it. You may not like the behaviors or decisions of a coach or teammate, but you can choose to take it personally or to see it as unrelated to who you are as a person.

 Consider the fit of the coach and/or team. You may have to consider whether there are too many differences to remain on the team, at that school, or playing under that coach. Try to address your differences before you walk away. But if you’re going to face a constant drain on your motivation by playing on this team under this coach, leaving may be the best choice.