Develop A Community

Becoming Your Best, , , ,

BECOMING YOUR BEST – Tip #8

  1. Hire an expert
  2. Research
  3. Sports-specific training
  4. Cross-training
  5. Envision success
  6. Realistic and kind self-appraisal
  7. Set concrete goals
  8. DEVELOP A COMMUNITY

There are various ways to develop a community. A community is a group of people who are interested in the same endeavor. Obviously, if you are trying to become a better rugby player, you wouldn’t join a cycling group (unless you were cross-training).

1. GROUP TRAINING

Whether you are part of a team or join a group as an individual, group training is an intrinsic part of the sports experience; it’s the reason why many athletes begin at all. Socializing happens both on the court or field during the game or training, and afterwards, in a local pub or coffee shop, hashing out the awesome (and not so awesome) details.

  • Reinforcing your commitment. You will meet other people trying to achieve the same or similar goals as you. They may be be above, at, or below your level but they will help reinforce your commitment to your own goal.
  • Enthusiasm is contagious. Maybe you are unmotivated or down today. One bright light can cast a glow on you too.
  • Positive feedback and constructive criticism. Although they may not be the coach, other athletes can provide day-to-day feedback on your performance. After all, they are the ones also doing the same workouts or drills and practicing in the same conditions as you.
  • Setting an example. This works both ways. You will meet people who inspire you to work harder and with more dedication. Similarly, you may be that same inspiration for others.
  • Holding you accountable. Yes, peer pressure can also be a positive. When you tell Joe or Lori that you’ll be there, it makes it harder to duck out. And even if they don’t give you a hard time, the guilt lingers…
  • Friends. Playing sports enables you to create friendships you otherwise might not have formed. Many times, the friendships you create on the field remain intact even when you are not playing sports.

2. ONLINE FORUMS AND CHATS

Here is a great way to connect in your downtime with people you might otherwise have never had the chance to meet. You may just run into that semi-pro you’ve been following when discussing equipment or strategies in your online group.

3. EVENTS

Maybe you aren’t ready to play. You can still be a part by volunteering or working at an event, where you can get a behind-the-scenes view of the action and people involved. At the very least, you can attend live in the audience and see what’s happening.

(NOTE: While these tips may sound like they are for upper level athletes only, they are not! Regardless of where you are at, you can achieve success using these same tips. For example, if your current long-term goal is to lose 30 pounds or complete your first Masters swim meet next year, you can use these tips for that as well.)

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Read more tips here: https://innerathlete.us/becoming-your-best/

Sources: The Local Scoop